Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire has officially resigned from her position as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. The Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee announced the decision on Monday, stating, “COMICI officially informs the Miss Universe organisation of the withdrawal of the Ivorian candidate from all titles and mandates issued by this organisation.”
The committee added that Yacé would return her sash “to attest to this joint decision.”
Yacé, who finished fourth runner-up at Miss Universe 2025, said her decision was guided by personal principles. In a social media statement, she explained, “As the representative of Cote 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.”
She added that stepping down would allow her to focus on being a positive role model for young women, particularly in African and Afro-descendant communities. “Never let anyone define who we are or limit our potential. Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard,” Yacé said.
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Yacé concluded her statement with gratitude and determination. “I will now continue my journey differently, with the same determination to uplift and inspire. Thank you to all those who have been part of this exceptional adventure. IT’S TIME FOR AFRICA.”
However, Yacé’s resignation comes amid controversy surrounding the 74th Miss Universe pageant.
Lebanon-French musician Omar Harfouch, a judge who resigned two days before the event, called this year’s winner, Fátima Bosch, a “fake Miss Universe” and alleged irregularities in the selection process. There were also claims linking Miss Universe Organization President Raúl Rocha’s business dealings with Pemex to the pageant results.
Fátima’s father, Bernardo Bosch Hernández, is a well-known engineer who serves as an advisor to the General Director of PEMEX Exploration and Production. The connection implied a conflict of interest and potential influence over the competition’s result.
Rocha publicly denied and condemned the accusations linking his business dealings with Pemex to the outcome of the 74th Miss Universe pageant, calling the claims false, politically motivated, and intentionally misleading.
Rocha said that his company, Soluciones Gasíferas del Sur, won a Pemex contract in February 2023 through a competitive process involving 15 firms, long before he acquired 50% of the Miss Universe Organization in January 2024. According to him, there was no relationship with the Bosch family during the bidding period.
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