Miss Ivory Coast resigns from her Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title

Miss Ivory Coast, Olivia Yacé, announced on Monday that she resigned from her title as representative of her country to Miss Universe and from the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania that was awarded to her after last week's final in Thailand, where she was fourth runner-up. Yacé's resignation, announced in a post on her Instagram account, adds to the turbulence following the triumph of Mexican Fátima Bosch, who surpassed Miss Thailand to claim the 2025 universal crown. "I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunities, the strongest pillars that guide me," she said. "Stepping away from this reduced role of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania will allow me to fully dedicate myself to defending the values I cherish." Yacé's title is continental queen and is the same as Miss Universe Asia, Miss Universe Europe and Middle East, and Miss Universe Americas, awarded to Zhao Na of China, Julia Ann Cluett of Malta and Stephany Abasali of Venezuela, respectively. Yac, 27 years old, speaks French, English, and Spanish. During the final, she was one of the public's favorite contestants and also of television presenters.

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She lived in Ivory Coast and the United States, studied business administration and marketing at Widener University and a master's degree in luxury brand management. She has been a model since adolescence and supports women's rights and education for young people in Africa through the Olivia Yacé Foundation. She had extensive experience in beauty pageants prior to Miss Universe. In 2021, she was crowned Miss Ivory Coast and represented her country in Miss World, where she finished as second runner-up and obtained the title of Miss World Africa. "My greatest wish is to be a role model for the new generation, especially for young women. I encourage them to surpass their limits, to confidently enter rooms where they believe they don't belong, and to proudly embrace their identity," she stated in her post accompanied by photographs of her competing in Miss Universe. In addition to Yacé's resignation, the Miss Universe Organization has been affected by accusations from the French-Lebanese composer and businessman Omar Harfouch, who refrained from participating as a jury member and suggested that there was some kind of manipulation in the selection of finalists in the contest. The accusation was denied. Former French football player Claude Makélélé also resigned from his participation in the jury, although for "unforeseen personal reasons". On the other hand, Thai police investigated the alleged illegal promotion of online casinos as part of the event's advertising. In addition to these reports, attention remains focused on Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry, who is in an intensive care unit after suffering a serious fall on stage during the preliminary competition. "I wish Miss Universe Jamaica a speedy recovery and send her all my love," wrote Yacé.