Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé has stepped down from her title as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, only days after being crowned at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Bangkok. Her decision was announced publicly on November 24, 2025.
Values Over Title
In her resignation, Yacé underscored that she is choosing to remain “firmly anchored” in her core principles, respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity. She said staying true to these values was more important than holding a pageant crown.
Complete Break with MUO
Yacé is not only relinquishing her continental queen sash, she is also ending all future ties with the Miss Universe Organization. The Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee (COMICI) confirmed her withdrawal “from all titles and mandates” with Miss Universe.
Symbolic Return
According to COMICI, Yacé will formally return her Africa & Oceania sash to the Miss Universe Organization, a symbolic act to make the resignation public and jointly recognized.
A Role Model’s Mission
Yacé framed her resignation as a way to more fully defend her beliefs and serve as a role model. She expressed a desire to inspire young girls to push their boundaries and walk confidently into spaces where they feel they might not belong.
Context of Controversy
Her resignation comes amid broader controversy surrounding the Miss Universe 2025 pageant. Previous days saw allegations of vote manipulation and judging irregularities, claims that have intensified scrutiny on the organization.
Legacy and Next Step
Yacé’s choice to step away from her continental title is being widely interpreted as a principled stand, prioritizing integrity and personal mission over fame. Her next moves, she says, will be guided by the same “guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence.”
