Olivia Yace Abandons Miss Universe 2025 Title, Ends Pageant Ties

Olivia Yace, the representative of Ivory Coast in the Miss Universe 2025 competition, has made a surprising announcement that she is stepping down from her title as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025. This decision came just days after she received the sash at the Miss Universe finale in Thailand.

Yace, who finished as the fourth runner-up at the pageant on November 21, shared her news through an Instagram post on Monday. In her statement, she reflected on her experience and expressed her reasons for leaving the role.

"As the representative of the Ivory Coast 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, the strongest pillars that guide me."

She continued by stating her intention to step away from the title and any future involvement with the Miss Universe Committee. "With a heart full of gratitude and profound respect, I hereby announce my resignation from the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, as well as from any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee."

In addition to her personal reasons, Yace encouraged members of Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities to keep pursuing opportunities in spaces where they are not expected. "Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard," she emphasized.

Yace also took the time to congratulate Fatima Bosch of Mexico, who was crowned Miss Universe, and wished Gabrielle Henry of Jamaica a swift recovery after she was hospitalized following a fall during the preliminary evening gown competition.

The Miss Ivory Coast Committee confirmed Yace’s withdrawal from all titles in a statement on its official Facebook page. They added that she would formally return her Africa & Oceania sash to the organization.

Public reaction to the finale has included discussions about Yace's strong performance during the question-and-answer round, which many believed should have earned her a higher placement. Her decision has sparked conversations about the expectations and challenges faced by contestants in such high-profile events.

This announcement comes in the wake of another resignation, as Brigitta Schaback, who was crowned Miss Universe Estonia 2025, revealed she was relinquishing her title. She stated that her "values and work ethics do not align" with those of the national director, Natalie Korneitsik.

These resignations have added to the growing list of controversies surrounding this year’s Miss Universe competition. After the results were announced, French-Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch, who had resigned from the judging panel before the final, called Bosch a "fake winner." Additionally, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray used her broadcast channel to question the relevance of the pageant’s question-and-answer segment.

As the conversation around these events continues, it highlights the complex dynamics within the world of beauty pageants and the personal choices of individuals who participate in them.