Ivorian model Olivia Yacé, internationally recognized for her impeccable career in beauty pageants and for having been one of the great favorites in Miss Universe 2021, made headlines again after announcing her definitive resignation from all positions and titles obtained in Miss Universe 2025.
The decision was made public just days after the coronation of Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, whose victory has been surrounded by controversy due to accusations of lack of transparency within the pageant.
Through an official statement released on her social networks, Yacé informed that she will no longer serve as fifth runner-up and that she irrevocably renounces the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2025, a recognition awarded to the best positioned participant of the continent.
She also confirmed that she will break ties with the Miss Universe Committee, both in the present and in future collaborations.
Her message, written in a thoughtful but firm tone, emphasizes that the decision is based solely on personal reasons: “As a representative of Ivory Coast at Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, I witnessed firsthand my ability to achieve great things despite adversity.”
However, she added that integrity is a value she is not willing to negotiate, even if it means giving up hard-earned recognition.
Miss Ivory Coast goes against Miss Universe
Although the statement makes no direct reference to Fátima Bosch nor does it mention irregularities, Yacé stresses that her resignation seeks to keep her true to her deepest convictions: “To remain true to my values – respect, dignity, excellence and equal opportunities – I must make decisions that reflect coherence between who I am and what I stand for”.
The model made it clear that her continuity within Miss Universe would represent a personal contradiction, so she decided to close that chapter despite the prestige that the titles gave her.
Yacé’s decision comes at a particularly delicate time for Miss Universe. Her resignation is announced after:
The accusation of the French-Lebanese pianist Omar Harfouch, former judge of the contest, who claims that there were irregular previous votes.
The controversy generated by the treatment received by Fatima Bosch during previous activities in Thailand.
Intense polarization on social networks after Mexico won the crown.
Although Yacé has not publicly stated that her resignation is related to these controversies, the timing of her announcement has fueled interpretations and debates among fans of the contest.
Considered one of the most influential African contestants in recent years, Yacé is not only a leading figure in modeling, but also an advocate for social causes in Côte d’Ivoire. Her decision to renounce such coveted titles has been interpreted by many as an act of congruence and courage.
Despite stepping away from Miss Universe, the Ivorian hinted that she will continue to work on personal and community projects, aligned with the values she mentioned in her statement.
With this resignation, Olivia Yacé says goodbye to the contest with the same strength and conviction that have characterized her since her beginnings, reaffirming her commitment to ethics, authenticity and self-respect.
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