Olivia Manuela Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire, who held the title of Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, has officially resigned from her role and severed all future affiliations with the Miss Universe Committee.
She announced this decision on November 23, 2025, expressing that she stepped down to remain anchored in her values and principles, prioritizing integrity and purpose over prestige and pageantry.
Olivia emphasized her desire to serve as a positive role model, particularly for young girls and Afro-descendant communities, encouraging them to confidently push their limits and embrace their identities.
Her resignation came in the wake of a highly controversial Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held in Bangkok, which was marked by public disputes and serious allegations of rigged judging. Olivia, despite being a fan favorite and widely expected to win, placed fourth in the competition.
This disappointing outcome, coupled with the allegations that the competition was manipulated in favor of Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, intensified her decision to step away.
Olivia stated that maintaining her commitment to fairness and transparency required her to relinquish the diminished role she was left with after the contested results.
The controversy centered around accusations from former judge Omar Harfouch, who resigned days before the finale and claimed the existence of a secret panel that pre-selected finalists without the official judges’ involvement.
He alleged that this group manipulated the judging to favor Miss Mexico due to her father’s business connections with the Miss Universe president Raul Rocha.
The organization has denied these allegations, calling them fabrications and expressing willingness to take legal action. The fallout included multiple judges stepping down and public criticism from past Miss Universe winners, further casting doubt on the pageant’s transparency and fairness.
Olivia’s resignation is notable not only for its timing but also for her strong message of standing by her principles despite the allure of continued fame.
She made it clear that stepping down was a means to preserve her integrity and focus on inspiring future generations rather than being part of a compromised institution.
Her announcement highlighted the importance of representation and the need for African and Afro-descendant communities to maintain their agency in spaces that may not readily welcome them.
The Miss Universe Africa & Oceania title, which Olivia relinquished, is one of several continental crowns awarded during the pageant.
Alongside her, other continental queens were crowned, including representatives for Europe & Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.
Olivia’s departure underscores significant tensions in the contest and has amplified calls for greater transparency and reform within the Miss Universe organization.
This episode has sent ripples across the global pageantry community, highlighting challenges around integrity, accountability, and the ongoing struggle for fairness in international competitions. Olivia Yacé’s principled stand has been widely respected, as she seeks to champion values of honesty and empowerment beyond the pageant stage.
