Olivia Yacé, a finalist in the 2025 Miss Universe pageant, is standing firm by her principles. Just days after being declared the runner-up for Miss Universe Africa and Oceania on November 21st, she publicly renounced the title. "As the representative of Côte d'Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of achieving great things despite adversity," Olivia wrote on her Instagram on November 21st. "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."
The 27-year-old added, "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."
Olivia, who placed fifth in the pageant after Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines, Stephany Abasali of Venezuela, Praveenar Sing of Thailand, and winner Fátima Bosch from Mexico, said that throughout her journey as an ambassador and beauty queen, she has served with commitment and determination. "However," she continued, "to fully reach my potential, I must remain firmly anchored in my values and guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence."
Olivia referenced her onstage comments that her greatest wish is to be a role model for the younger generation. "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," she said. "It is this commitment to being a positive influence that guides my decision today. 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," Olivia continued. "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."
Olivia is not the only contestant to distance herself from the international competition after participating in it. Brigitta Schaback renounced her title of Miss Universe Estonia days after taking part in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, noting on social media that her "values and work ethics do not align with those of the national director, Natalie Korneitsik." The Miss Estonia organization told People that the National Director had "made every effort to provide Brigitta Schaback with the opportunity to participate in the Miss Universe competition" and accused the contestant of making recent public comments that "were inappropriate, harmful to others, not aligned with professional protocols, and contributed to public controversy." Brigitta did not respond to People's request for comment.
