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Olivia Yacé Resigns Miss Universe Africa & Oceania Title, Cuts Ties With Pageant

Her values-based exit intensifies scrutiny of Miss Universe governance.

Overview

  • Yacé announced on Nov. 24 that she is relinquishing the continental title and ending any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.
  • The Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee confirmed her withdrawal as effective immediately and said she will return the Africa & Oceania sash.
  • She finished as fourth runner-up at the Nov. 21 final in Bangkok before issuing her statement.
  • Yacé said the decision reflects her commitment to integrity and to empowering Black, African, Caribbean and Afro‑descendant communities.
  • Her move follows broader turmoil around Miss Universe, including a contestant walkout over Miss Mexico’s treatment, judge departures and disputed claims about opaque selection that the organization denies, with its president saying one accuser had been removed from the panel.