Share
Olivia Yace has announced her resignation from her role as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania days after she placed in the top five at Miss Universe 2025.
Yace represented Côte d'Ivoire at the international competition in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 21.
However, after finishing as the fourth runner-up, the beauty queen took to Instagram to state that “with a heart full of gratitude and profound respect” she is relinquishing her title as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
She also clarified that her resignation includes “any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.”
She recalled her “greatest wish,” which is to act as a role model for the next generation, namely, young girls.
Further in her statement she says that “Stepping away from this diminished role of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania will allow her to dedicate herself fully to defending the values she holds dear”.
She then called "upon Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities to continue entering spaces where they are not expected...noting that Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard.”
She concluded by congratulating the winner of Miss Universe 2025, Fátima Bosch, and wishing “a swift recovery” to Miss Universe Jamaica Gabrielle Henry, who fell off the stage while competing in the preliminary evening gown round at Miss Universe.
Meantime, Miss Universe Organization owner Raul Rocha responded to questions about why Olivia Yacé of Côte d'Ivoire was not crowned Miss Universe 2025 after the pageant on Nov. 21
Rocha cited the fact that the titleholder is required to travel often, and he claimed this would be made difficult by the fact that Côte d'Ivoire passport holders require visas to enter 175 countries.
