Olivia Yacé, who represented Côte d’Ivoire at Miss Universe 2025, has resigned from the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title she was awarded at last week’s competition in Bangkok, where she placed as fourth runner-up.
In a statement shared on social media Monday, Yacé reflected on what the experience meant to her and why she chose to walk away.
“I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity,” she wrote. “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.”
As part of her decision, Yacé said she is cutting “any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.”
She reiterated her desire to be a role model for young girls, echoing sentiments she had previously shared on stage during the competition.
“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,” Yacé continued. “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.”
Yacé did not go into further detail about the specific circumstances that led to her resignation.
Her departure comes shortly after another contestant, Brigitta Schaback, who also competed at this year’s pageant, resigned from her national title of Miss Universe Estonia.
“My values and work ethics do not align with those of the National Director, Natalie Korneitsik,” Schaback wrote in her own statement. “My commitment is to women’s empowerment and equality, and I will continue this work independently, without any further association with Miss Universe Estonia.”
Entertainment Weekly has reached out to the Miss Universe organization for comment.
This year’s Miss Universe pageant has been marked by controversy and mishaps. One contestant was injured after falling off the stage, some judges resigned over what they viewed as exclusionary behavior, and a viral video sparked backlash in the weeks leading up to the event.
In that video, Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Universe for Asia and Oceania, appeared to publicly reprimand Miss Universe Mexico Fátima Bosch in front of other contestants for allegedly failing to meet certain expectations, reportedly calling her “dumb” and ordering security to remove her from a pre-pageant event. Several contestants walked out in protest, and Itsaragrisil allegedly warned them that their standing in the competition could be at risk if they did not comply.
Although Itsaragrisil later issued an apology, he was dismissed from his position with the pageant. Observers nonetheless noted that he was subsequently seen in official pageant photos, including one with Bosch, who ultimately won the Miss Universe crown.
