What led Olivia Yacé to give up her Miss Universe title? Finalist explains decision in heartfelt statement

Miss Universe 2025 finalist Olivia Yacé just proved that a crown means nothing if it costs your principles. The 27-year-old Ivorian beauty queen has resigned from her title entirely just days after earning it, declaring that her integrity matters more than any accolade.

In a jaw-dropping turn on social media on Nov. 24, the Côte d'Ivoire representative announced that she was renouncing her title as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. She wrote:

"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."

Olivia Yacé won the 4th-runner-up title in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, after Ahtisa Manalo from the Philippines, Stephany Abasali of Venezuela, Thailand's Praveenar Sing, and this year's winner, Fátima Bosch from Mexico.

This year's pageant was plagued by controversies, with the candidates walking out of an event after MU exec Nawat Itsaragrisil called Bosch "dumb," as well as Miss Jamaica falling off the stage and remaining in the hospital for another week.

Even after the coronation, the event was beset by online discourse regarding the new title-holders.

But for Olivia Yacé, she vows to stick to her principles as both an ambassador and a beauty queen.

"However, to fully reach my potential. I must remain firmly anchored in my values guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence."

Olivia Yacé on empowering young women: "Go in those rooms where you think you don't belong"

In her Instagram post, Olivia Yacé echoed her response during the Q&A session at the 2025 Miss Universe regarding her role as a model for young girls.

"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. It is this commitment to being a positive influence that guides my decision today."

The Côte d'Ivoire beauty queen continued:

"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."

Recalling, at the 2025 Miss Universe, Olivia Yacé was asked how she would empower young girls if she won the mosMiss Universe crown, and she answered:

"As an ambassador and as Miss Universe, I would want to be the face of representation, of a new generation that mixes culture and mixes modern and traditional. I want to be the face of a new era, of women that are bold, that are leaders, that are unapologetic about who they are."

The former Miss Universe Africa and Oceania added:

"If I am Miss Universe, I want to be a role model for all the young girls and let them know that you too can make it. Go in those rooms where you think you don't belong, shine and make sure you assume your identity."

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