Olivia Yacé Steps Away From Miss Universe Title
In a stunning turn of events, Olivia Yacé, crowned just days ago as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2025, has officially stepped down from her title. Representing Côte d’Ivoire, the beauty queen announced her resignation on November 24, citing a commitment to her core values as the reason for her departure.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Yacé emphasized that her journey at Miss Universe Bangkok showed her potential to achieve great things, but staying true to her principles of respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity was non-negotiable. She concluded her post by severing ties with the Miss Universe Committee entirely.
“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,” Yacé wrote.
A Growing Wave of Pageant Controversy
Yacé’s decision comes amid rising public debate over the Miss Universe 2025 results. Fans have expressed outrage, claiming she performed far better than Fatima Bosch, the newly crowned Miss Universe. The narrative that Yacé was unjustly overlooked has been trending since the finale, with many social media users placing her as the “true winner” in their own rankings.
The controversy doesn’t end with Yacé. Other affiliates have publicly distanced themselves from the organisation. Steve Byrne, this year’s pageant host, announced via Instagram that he is resigning from hosting duties and will not return next year. Meanwhile, Miss Universe Estonia 2025, Brigitta Schaback, declared her resignation, citing a misalignment of values and work ethics with the national director, Natalie Korneitsik.
These departures raise questions about what happens behind the scenes of one of the world’s most prestigious pageants. Observers are left wondering if internal conflicts and organizational mismanagement contributed to this unprecedented wave of resignations.
Fan Reactions and Public Sentiment
Social media erupted with support for Yacé following her announcement. Fans flooded her comment section with praise for her courage and integrity.
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@alissaanderegg wrote: “So proud of you for standing true to your values. You are a true queen.”
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@faeton.kouakou added: “The only decision I’ve been waiting for since the day of that rigged coronation. IT’S TIME FOR AFRICA.”
Meanwhile, Fatima Bosch’s reign has reportedly begun under a cloud of criticism, with many fans questioning her performance and the legitimacy of her win. The juxtaposition of Yacé’s principled resignation and Bosch’s controversial coronation has intensified the scrutiny surrounding Miss Universe 2025.
A Moment of Reflection for Miss Universe
Olivia Yacé’s decision to step down is more than just a personal statement—it’s a reflection of a larger cultural conversation about integrity, fairness, and representation in the global pageant industry. Her fans continue to rally behind her, celebrating her refusal to compromise her values for a title.
As more voices speak out and disaffiliate from Miss Universe, the organisation faces increasing pressure to address the criticisms and restore trust with contestants and fans alike. For Yacé, however, her legacy extends beyond crowns and sashes: she is remembered for standing tall, unapologetic, and true to herself.
Source: IOL
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