‘It’s diminishing’ — Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yace resigns as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania
Olivia Yace of Côte d’Ivoire has resigned from her role as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania days after placing in the top five atMiss Universe 2025.
Following the conclusion of the pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21, the beauty queen announced onInstagram that she is relinquishing “this diminished role” as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
Yace, who finished as the fourth runner-up, framed her decision as a step toward fulfilling a deeper purpose.
She expressed her commitment to being a role model, encouraging young girls to “push their limits, walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong, and proudly embrace their identity”.
The beauty queen explained that stepping away from her official duties would allow her to dedicate herself fully to defending these values.
She urged those of African, Caribbean, and Afro-descendant heritage to continue breaking barriers, affirming that “Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard”.
Yace also took a moment to congratulate thenew winner Fatima Bosch and wished a “swift recovery” to Miss Universe Jamaica Gabrielle Henry who suffered a fall on stage during the preliminary events.
“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,” she wrote on November 24.
“With a heart full of gratitude and profound respect, I hereby announce my resignation from the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, as well as from any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.
“Throughout my journey as an ambassador and beauty queen, I have served with commitment, resilience, discipline, and determination.
“However, to fully reach my potential, I must remain firmly anchored in my values guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence.
“Stepping away from this diminished role of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania will allow me to dedicate myself fully to defending the values I hold dear.
“I call upon Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities: continue entering spaces where you are not expected. 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.”
She signed off with “It’s time for Africa”.
Yace’s resignation adds to the turmoil surrounding the recently concluded Miss Universe 2025 pageant, which was marred by public controversy.
The event was rocked by scandal when the newly crowned winner Bosch staged a dramaticwalkout during a pre-pageant ceremony.
The protest was directed at Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Miss Universe Thailand director, who was captured in a viral clip publicly scolding Bosch for missing promotional activities and calling her a “dumbhead” for following her national director’s orders.
In a show of solidarity, numerous contestants from other countries followed Bosch out of the event.
The controversy deepened just days before the final when two high-profile judgesresigned from the panel.
Lebanese-French composer Omar Harfouch resigned after making allegations of “fraud,” “corruption,” and a “secret vote” that manipulated the competition.
Former French footballer Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing “unforeseen personal reasons”.
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