*Just days after the 2025 Miss Universe pageant concluded in Bangkok, Olivia Yacé, Côte d’Ivoire’s 27-year-old representative, stepped down from her role as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, stating that her core values came before the crown.
In a Nov. 24 Instagram post, she declared that safeguarding her personal convictions mattered more than retaining the position. The decision arrived amid a competition cycle marked by multiple controversies. “I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity. 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,” Yacé wrote. She did not clarify a specific incident behind her decision, but made it clear that aligning with her beliefs was paramount.
Her statement noted her desire to inspire young women to “push their limits, to walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong, and to proudly embrace their identity.” Yacé added, “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.”
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Yacé also urged Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities to persist in pursuing spaces where they are underestimated. “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,” she wrote.
In her post, Yacé congratulated the new Miss Universe, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch Fernández, and offered support to Jamaica’s Gabrielle Henry after her onstage fall. She closed by thanking supporters: “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. Thank you to all those who have been part of this exceptional adventure. Let us continue to defend our values and strive for greatness together.”
Her departure followed a pageant cycle marked by disputes involving a Thai pageant director, allegations of vote manipulation by judge Omar Harfouch, and accusations of drug, gun, and fuel trafficking against contestant sponsor Raúl Rocha Cantú.
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