This year has not been kind to the Miss Universe organization, with a series of blunders and scandals rocking the boat. One of the latest headlines involves Olivia Yacée, who recently made headlines after resigning from her title as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
Yacée, who represented Côte d’Ivoire in the Miss Universe 2025 competition held on November 21 in Bangkok, was crowned as the fourth runner-up. However, she announced her decision to step down shortly after the event on social media.
In her post, she stated, “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’s making it clear that she wants to cut all ties to the Miss Universe Committee and move forward with her values intact. Yacée expressed a desire to inspire young girls, a goal she mentioned during the pageant.
“By stepping away from this diminished role, I can fully dedicate myself to defending the values I hold dear,” she shared. She encouraged the Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities to keep pushing boundaries and defy expectations. “Let’s pave the way for those who will follow us. Our voices matter and must be heard!”
In her closing remarks, Yacée expressed immense gratitude for the support she has received, stating, “Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Now, I will continue my path with renewed determination to inspire others. IT’S TIME FOR AFRICA.”
Yacée’s resignation comes on the heels of another contestant, Brigitta Schaback, stepping away from her title as Miss Universe Estonia, citing that her values did not align with those of her National Director, Natalie Korneitsik. Schaback emphasized her dedication to women’s empowerment and equality, stating that she will continue her work independently.
For many, this year’s Miss Universe pageant has been characterized by issues—highlighted by unfortunate incidents like one contestant suffering an injury after a fall and controversy surrounding the pageant’s administration leading to judges quitting over feelings of exclusion.
A notably cringe-worthy moment happened before the pageant when Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Universe for Asia and Oceania, reportedly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, in front of her peers for not meeting expectations and went as far as to call security to remove her from an event. This incident sparked protests from other contestants, as tensions escalated severely.
Although he later apologized, Itsaragrisil was ultimately removed from his role, yet it didn’t go unnoticed that he reappeared in photo opps during the pageant’s events.
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