Miss Universe 2025 continues to face fallout as another top contender distances herself from the organization.
According to People, just days after placing in the top five at this year’s competition, Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé announced she is relinquishing her title as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania and ending all future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.
Yacé shared the news on Monday, November 24, through a detailed Instagram statement, explaining that she made the decision “with a heart full of gratitude and profound respect.”
Despite finishing as fourth runner-up during the November 21 event in Bangkok, she said stepping down was necessary to stay aligned with her personal values.
“As the representative of Côte d'Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, 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.”
Yacé said her departure includes giving up her continental title and any “future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.”
She emphasized her ongoing commitment to being a role model for young girls, encouraging them to “walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong” and to embrace their identity without hesitation.
“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.
Yacé also extended congratulations to newly crowned Miss Universe 2025 Fátima Bosch and wished “a swift recovery” to Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry, who was injured after a fall during preliminaries.
The Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee confirmed her resignation in a Facebook announcement, stating that Yacé will formally return her sash and that her withdrawal is effective immediately.
Her departure marks the latest in a series of resignations tied to this year’s competition. Brigitta Schaback, who represented Estonia, announced one day earlier that she was also stepping down from her national title.
Schaback cited misalignment with her national director, while the Miss Estonia organization responded that her public comments violated professionalism standards outlined in the delegate agreement.
In the weeks leading up to the finals, Miss Universe has faced multiple controversies, including disputes involving national directors, judges resigning from the panel, and viral moments within the contestant community.
Yacé noted in her statement that she will “continue [her] journey differently,” focused on empowering communities across the African and Afro-diasporic world.
“I am deeply grateful for the support I have received,” she wrote. “Let us continue to defend our values and strive for greatness together.”