Olivia Yacé, one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most prominent beauty ambassadors and a standout contestant at Miss Universe 2025, has formally renounced her title as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania and announced her complete withdrawal from the Miss Universe Organisation. Her decision, which she described as firm and deeply considered, has stirred conversations across the global pageant community and sparked widespread support throughout Africa.
Yacé revealed that her choice was rooted in values she considers non-negotiable: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity. After returning from Bangkok, where she placed within the Top 5 at the international pageant, she expressed that continuing under the Miss Universe banner no longer aligned with what she wants her public journey to represent. While she acknowledged the experience as both rewarding and eye-opening, she emphasised that remaining in a role she described as diminished would force her to compromise on principles she holds dear.
According to sources close to her team, the continental crown, created as part of Miss Universe’s recent structural changes, had not offered her the influence or meaningful responsibilities she expected. Instead, the title felt symbolic, lacking the weight and purpose she hoped it would carry. Yacé explained that she would rather walk away entirely than hold onto a position that minimised her ability to make an impact. She stressed that she wants to continue inspiring young girls across Africa and beyond, but she wants to do so on her own terms, without feeling bound by an institution whose direction she no longer fully trusts.
Her resignation comes at a particularly turbulent moment for the Miss Universe pageant. The 2025 edition faced widespread criticism, with reports of internal disagreements, questionable judging practices, and heightened scrutiny over fairness. Observers noted that several high-ranking individuals associated with the competition distanced themselves from the event, which only fuelled public suspicion about the integrity of the results. While Yacé did not directly mention these controversies in her statement, the emphasis she placed on fairness and equal opportunity has been widely interpreted as her own subtle response to the situation.
What stood out most in her announcement was the clarity of her voice. She stated plainly that leadership means little if it requires silence in the face of wrongdoing or discomfort. She expressed gratitude for the support shown to her throughout her journey but pointed out that gratitude alone cannot justify staying in a system that no longer reflects her ideals. She encouraged young women, especially Africans and individuals in the global Black diaspora, to continue stepping boldly into spaces where their presence has historically been overlooked or underestimated. For her, representation matters — but representation without integrity is hollow.
Shortly after her announcement, the Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee (COMICI), the body responsible for licensing the Miss Universe franchise in the country, confirmed her withdrawal. In its own statement, the committee explained that Yacé had voluntarily stepped down from all duties and responsibilities tied to the Miss Universe Organization. COMICI also clarified that the decision was mutually agreed upon and that Yacé would formally return her sash and relinquish all obligations associated with the Africa & Oceania title. This confirmation put an end to speculation and reinforced that the beauty queen’s decision was final and internally supported.
Public reaction in Côte d’Ivoire has been overwhelmingly positive. Supporters flooded social media with messages of admiration, calling her choice courageous and principled. Many argued that her exit highlighted a larger issue within international pageants, one that goes beyond beauty and performance and touches on transparency, equity, and genuine empowerment. Yacé has long been considered a beacon of pride for Ivorians, and her refusal to settle for an ornamental role has only strengthened her reputation as a woman of integrity.
Her departure also raises broader questions about the structure of Miss Universe itself. While continental titles were introduced to acknowledge regional excellence and diversity, critics argue that these crowns carry little significance beyond symbolic recognition. With Yacé stepping down, the debate over whether these positions truly benefit contestants or merely serve as an extension of pageantry politics, has taken on new urgency. Some analysts believe her exit could trigger discussions within the Miss Universe Organization about reforming these roles or redefining what they represent.
Yacé’s resignation does not signal the end of her influence. If anything, it marks the beginning of a more independent chapter. She has indicated her desire to continue working on initiatives connected to women’s empowerment, cultural representation, and youth development, areas she had already been passionate about before competing at Miss Universe. The difference now, she explained, is that she can pursue these interests without feeling restricted or misrepresented by a title she no longer believes in.
Her move has also inspired conversations across Africa about the power of walking away from institutions that do not align with one’s values. Many young women have responded to her announcement by sharing stories of how they felt pressured to remain in roles or spaces that limited their potential. Yacé’s message, which centred on self-respect and standing firm even when the world expects silence, seems to have struck a chord.
In the international pageant world, her exit is being viewed as a turning point. Few contestants, especially those who place highly, have taken such a decisive stance so publicly. Her willingness to renounce a prestigious continental title and everything that comes with it underscores the seriousness of her concerns. It also signals that contestants are no longer willing to be associated with systems they perceive as unfair or unbalanced.
Olivia Yacé’s choice sends a clear message: crowns may shine, but values weigh more. Her departure from her Miss Universe Africa & Oceania role is not an act of rejection but an assertion of identity and autonomy. By choosing integrity over symbolism, she has shown that true leadership is defined not by titles, but by the courage to let go of them when they no longer serve a purpose.
