Olivia Manuela Yacé, Côte d’Ivoire’s representative at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, has officially resigned from her title as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania and announced that she will no longer hold any affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.
In her statement, she cited a commitment to her core values, respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity as the main reason for stepping down. She said remaining true to these principles is essential for achieving her full potential.
“Throughout my journey as a beauty queen and ambassador, I have served with resilience, discipline, and determination,” she said. “But to fully achieve my mission, I must remain firmly anchored in my guiding values.”
She highlighted her goal of being a role model for young girls, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions confidently and embrace their identity. Olivia stated that stepping away from the Miss Universe Africa & Oceania role will allow her to focus on promoting these values.
She also addressed Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities, urging them to continue entering spaces where they are often underestimated.
“Never let anyone define who we are or limit our potential. Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard,” she said.
Olivia extended congratulations to the newly crowned Miss Universe and sent well wishes to Miss Universe Jamaica, hoping for her swift recovery. She also expressed gratitude for the support she received during her journey and the experiences that shaped her.
She concluded her statement with a call to action: “It’s Time for Africa.”
