Miss Côte d'Ivoire 2025 Steps Down as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania
Olivia Yacé, who finished as 4th runner-up at the pageant, cites "defending" her values as a reason for her resignation.
by Em Enriquez
Published on Nov 25, 2025
The most recent edition of the Miss Universe pageant concluded on a controversial note, particularly with the placements of the final five queens. With Fátima Bosch bringing home the crown to Mexico, fans were left bewildered whether or not other contestants were overlooked by the organization.
Days after things settled down in Thailand, fourth runner-up Olivia Yacé of Côte d'Ivoire had enthusiasts in a frenzy after she relinquished her assignment as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. In an official statement by her home country's national pageant, she cited "defending" her values as her reason for giving up the crown.
Why Miss Côte d'Ivoire Is Stepping Down as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2025
"As the representative of Côte d'Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, 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," Olivia began her statement. Throughout the competition, the delegate impressed judges with her striking visuals and eloquence, which rightfully earned her a spot in the finals. However, it proved to be quite an upset when she ranked the lowest out of the final five.
"Throughout my journey as an ambassador and beauty queen, I have served with commitment, resilience, discipline, and determination," she continues, formalizing her resignation from any duties with the Miss Universe Organization. She states that she needs to "remain firmly anchored in [her] values" in order to fulfill her career as a beauty queen and spokesperson.
Echoing her sentiments during the final Q&A round, she states that, "My greatest wish is to be a role model for the new generation, especially young girls. I encourage them to push their limits, to walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong, and to proudly embrace their identity."
Olivia reinforces her statement with a call to her fellow Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities to continue taking up space. "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." Without explicitly naming Fátima, she also extends her congratulations to her.
Concluding things, she voices out her concern for Miss Universe Jamaica, who opted out of the competition after she unfortunately fell and injured herself during the preliminary rounds. Olivia thanks her supporter, imploring them to, "continue to defend our values and strive for greatness together."
"It's time for Africa," she punctuates her statement.
Olivia's podium finish at the pageant proved to be a historic moment, given how it was Côte d'Ivoire's first instance to make it into the finals. Aside from being a beauty queen, she has worked as a model, participating in runway shows staged in her hometown.
Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.