Key Points
- Olivia Yacé says she must stay true to her values. She resigns from Miss Universe Africa and Oceania today.
- Reports say the finale had a contested crowning moment. Several contestants staged a walkout after insults were made.
- Her move follows wider pageant complaints about fairness. The dispute has stirred fans and pageant observers worldwide.
Olivia Yacé (Olivia Manuela Yacé) announced she is stepping down from her Miss Universe Africa and Oceania role. She posted a formal statement on her Instagram account explaining her choice. The statement said she wants to remain true to respect and equal opportunity.
Her national committee confirmed the news and said she will return the title insignia. The committee called the move a personal decision linked to her values and future work. Many fans reacted quickly online after the announcement.
Why she quit
Olivia said she felt the pageant no longer matched her core values. She named respect, excellence and equal chance as her guiding principles. She added that stepping away will let her defend those values fully.
Multiple news outlets reported tensions at the Miss Universe lead-up events in Bangkok. A video showed a pageant official confronting Miss Mexico and calling her a “dumb head,” according to reports. The incident prompted several contestants to walk out in protest.
Some observers say the fallout shaped the finale atmosphere and choices on stage. Miss Mexico wins Miss Universe covered the crowning and the walkout in detail. That ValidUpdates report notes judge resignations and sharp criticism after the incident.
Supporters for Olivia argue the finale’s events fed doubts about fairness and outcomes. Others say Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, was later crowned amid calls for calm. Some reports claim the crown followed an onstage apology effort after the earlier clash.
Olivia’s full statement thanked fans and organisers for support during her journey. She also sent well wishes to the new Miss Universe and to Miss Jamaica after her fall. The line “It’s time for Africa” appears in her message and framed her final note.
Pageant voices and critics now ask for clearer answers about the Bangkok events. Contestants and national teams want open information about the pre-finale incidents and decisions. Many call for independent steps to ensure fair judging and better treatment for contestants.
Media coverage has tracked resignations and complaints tied to Miss Universe 2025. News outlets reported at least one other national titleholder stepping away earlier this month. The pattern has increased calls for clear info from the Miss Universe Committee.
The Miss Universe body has issued statements denying some claims and promising to review procedures. It said it takes complaints seriously and will follow its internal process. Pageant watchers say an external review would help restore trust.
Olivia’s decision is likely to shape pageant talk for weeks ahead. Fans and industry figures will watch for any official answers or changes. Her statement signals she will continue her work outside the pageant structure.
She closed her message urging young women to enter spaces where they are not expected. The note encouraged Black and Afro-descendant communities to keep making their voices heard. Olivia said she will pursue her goals while defending the values she holds dear.
