Côte d'Ivoire's Olivia Yacé resigns as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania
Côte d'Ivoire's Olivia Yacé has stepped down as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania and from any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.
The beauty queen, who finished as fourth runner-up in the recently concluded pageant in Bangkok, shared a statement on Instagram on Nov. 24.
"Throughout my journey as an ambassador and beauty queen, I have served with commitment, resilience, discipline, and determination. However, to fully reach my potential, I must remain firmly anchored in my values guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence," she wrote.
Yacé continued to say that she wants to be a role model for young girls to push their limits.
"It is this commitment to being a positive influence that guides my decision today. 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," she added.
She then called upon Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descent communities to "continue entering spaces where you are not expected."
"Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard."
In her statement, Yacé also took time to congratulate Miss Universe 2025 Fatima Bosch and wish Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry a speedy recovery after her fall from the stage.
"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."
Miss Côte d'Ivoire Committee, the holder of the Miss Universe license in the country, also announced Yacé's withdrawal.
Yacé will return her Miss Universe Africa and Oceania sash to the organization.
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant ended with Mexico's Bosch as the winner, Thailand's Praveenar Singh as first runner-up, Venezuela's Stephany Abasali as second runner-up, and the Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo as third runner-up.
The recent competition faced allegations of rigging, as a judge who reportedly resigned claimed that before the finale, it was decided Bosch would win because the Miss Universe Organization president allegedly had business with her father.
Rocha has addressed the allegations, stating that no judge has resigned and that his company's contract with Pemex, where Bosch's father is a long-time employee, has no relation to the Mexican beauty queen's victory in the 74th edition of the pageant.
