Olivia Yacé steps down as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2025 amid growing controversy

What a controversial time for Miss Universe.

Just a few days after being crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2025, Olivia Yacé, who represented Côte d'Ivoire, announced that she is stepping down from her title.

Taking to social media, Yacé released a statement on Monday, November 24, to share that she is resigning and also cutting off everything that is affiliated with the Miss Universe organisation.

“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.

“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,” she shared.

Fans were rallying behind the beauty queen since the competition ended, with many claiming that she was robbed and they placed her as fourth runner-up, whereas she performed way better than the newly crowned Miss Universe.

The narrative that she should have been crowned Miss Universe instead of Fatima Bosch has been a trending topic since the finale took place.

In addition to her resignation, other people who were affiliated with the Miss Universe organisation have also decided to speak out and share that they have resigned from their roles.

The host of this year’s pageant, Steve Byrne, shared a video on Instagram, saying that he has decided to resign as the host and is also not coming back next year to host the pageant.

Miss Universe Estonia 2025, Brigitta Schaback, also shared a statement announcing her resignation from her title.

“I am stepping down from the title of Miss Universe Estonia. My values and work ethics do not align with those of the national director, Natalie Korneitsik.”

It is unfortunate to witness all these events happening and seeing how the prestigious Miss Universe being what it is currently.

If so many people are speaking out and leaving the organisation, it makes one wonder: what really happens behind the scenes?

On the other hand, Bosch’s reign has also started on the wrong foot, with not much support from fans and being criticised for her performance during the competition. It is truly a lot.

Yacé’s fans flooded her comment section as they shared that they are proud of her making this decision and will continue to support her.

“So proud of you for standing true to your values. You are a true queen,” @alissaanderegg shared.

“The only decision I’ve been waiting for since the day of that rigged coronation. IT’S TIME FOR AFRICA,” @faeton.kouakou added.