Ivorian Beauty Queen Olivia Yacé Resigns Miss Universe Africa & Oceania Title, Citing Personal Values After Turbulent Pageant

Olivia Yacé, the celebrated Ivorian beauty queen who finished as fourth runner-up and clinched the continental crown for Africa and Oceania at Miss Universe 2025, has formally renounced her Miss Universe Africa & Oceania title. She says the decision stems from her commitment to personal values and integrity.

The Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee (COMICI) announced her withdrawal on Monday, Nov. 24, confirming that Yacé is stepping away from all duties and mandates associated with the Miss Universe Organization. The committee said it has notified Miss Universe authorities that the Ivorian representative is relinquishing every title conferred upon her after the November 21 global pageant held at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.

“The COMICI, holder of the Miss Universe license, regrets to announce the withdrawal of its representative, Olivia Yace, Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2021, for personal reasons,” the statement read. The committee added that Yacé will return her sash to formally signify her exit and avoid any ambiguity about the decision.

On her official Facebook page, Yacé issued a personal statement outlining the reasons behind her resignation. She noted that while the Miss Universe competition pushed her to demonstrate resilience and excellence, continuing in her role would compromise the principles she holds dear.

“Representing Côte d’Ivoire at Miss Universe 2025 proved that I am capable of achieving great things despite adversity,” she wrote. “But to continue, I must remain true to my pillars: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity.”

Describing her departure as deeply reflective and rooted in self-respect, Yacé said she is withdrawing not only from her continental title but also from any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee. Although she acknowledged that her journey in pageantry had been marked by discipline, ambition, and purpose, she explained that remaining in the position would no longer allow her to fully realize her vision.

“My mission has always been to inspire younger generations,” she added. “I want young girls to enter spaces where they may feel unwelcome, confident in who they are. Stepping away will allow me to defend the values I hold dear.”

Yacé also used the moment to send a powerful message to Black and African-descendant communities around the world. She urged them to continue breaking through boundaries and challenging spaces from which they have historically been excluded.

“I call upon Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities to continue entering spaces where you are not expected,” she wrote. “Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard.”

She congratulated the newly crowned Miss Universe, wished Miss Universe Jamaica a quick recovery, and thanked supporters who have stood by her through what she described as an “exceptional adventure.”

Many pageant observers had praised Yacé’s performance, particularly her eloquence during the competition’s Q&A segment, with some fans claiming she deserved a higher placement—and even the crown itself.

Her resignation follows one of the most chaotic Miss Universe editions in recent memory, marred by controversies including accusations of biased judging, backstage disputes, technical mishaps, and a viral post-coronation confrontation involving the eventual winner, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch.

Yacé, however, ended her statement with a message of resolve and optimism: “I now embark on a new journey with unwavering determination to uplift and inspire. IT’S TIME FOR AFRICA.”