Days after representing Côte d’Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21 and placing in the top five, Olivia Yacé has announced her resignation.
Yacé finished fifth (fourth runner-up) in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant. She was placed after Ahtisa Manalo (Philippines), Stephany Abasali (Venezuela), Praveenar Singh (Thailand), and winner Fátima Bosch from Mexico.
The beauty queen took to Instagram on November 24 to relinquish her title as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, stating she did so “with a heart full of gratitude and profound respect.”
The 27-year-old stated that she will also cut “any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.”
Yacé explained that her decision to renounce the title and future affiliation was guided by her core value.
Reflecting on her experience at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, Yacé wrote, “As the representative of Côte d’Ivoire… I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity. But to continue on this path, I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity the strongest pillars that guide me.”
“Throughout my journey as an ambassador and beauty queen, I have served with commitment, resilience, discipline, and determination,” she continued. “However, to fully reach my potential, I must remain firmly anchored in my values guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence.”
READ ALSO: Why Miss Universe 2025 should have been Miss Côte d’Ivoire Olivia Yacé
Yacé stated that her “greatest wish” is to be a role model for young girls. This commitment, she explained, is the basis for her resignation. She said she aims “to encourage them to push their limits, to walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong, and to proudly embrace their identity.”
“Stepping away from this diminished role of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania will allow me to dedicate myself fully to defending the values I hold dear,” the pageant queen wrote.
“I call upon Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities: continue entering spaces where you are not expected. Let us open the way for the brothers and sisters who will follow us. Never let anyone define who we are or limit our potential. Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard.”
The statement concluded with a congratulatory message for the Miss Universe 2025 winner, Fátima Bosch. It also included a wish for a “swift recovery” to Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, who had fallen from the stage during the preliminary evening gown competition.
“I am deeply grateful for the support I have received and for the unforgettable experiences that have shaped me. I will now continue my journey differently, with the same determination to uplift and inspire,” Yace wrote. “Thank you to all those who have been part of this exceptional adventure. Let us continue to defend our values and strive for greatness together.”
The Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee (COMICI) announced on Facebook that its representative, Yacé, had withdrawn. The statement, reported by People, expressed COMICI’s “regrets” over Yacé’s departure, which was attributed to “personal convenience of her electoral mandates with Miss Universe obtained at the end of the [Miss Universe] competition.”
The statement continued, “Consequently, COMICI officially informs the Miss Universe organization of the withdrawal of the Ivorian candidate from all titles and mandates issued by this organization.”
READ ALSO: Miss Universe: Update on Miss Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle Henry after she falls off stage
“Olivia [Yace] therefore relinquishes her title of Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, effective immediately,” the Facebook post concluded. “Miss Olivia [Yace], Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025, will formally return her Africa & Oceania sash to the organization to ensure that no one is unaware of this and to attest to this joint decision.”
The Miss Universe Organization faced several controversies leading up to the final competition on November 21. These issues primarily involved judging panel resignations and a public confrontation with the eventual winner.
The judging panel saw multiple high-profile resignations just days before the event. Musician Omar Harfouch resigned, alleging “internal misconduct” and claiming an unauthorized “impromptu jury” was formed to select the 30 finalists, an allegation the organization denied. That same day, professional soccer player Claude Makélélé also resigned, citing personal reasons, as did the president of the selection committee, Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie.
Earlier, on November 4, the pageant was also in the news when a confrontation between executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and Mexico’s representative Bosch (who went on to win) was live-streamed. Itsaragrisil publicly criticized Bosch for reportedly declining a social media photo shoot.
READ ALSO: Tributes paid to ex-Miss Universe Jamaica contestant who reportedly died by suicide at 26
