Second Miss Universe Contestant Resigns: Why She’s Stepping Away from the Pageant for Good

Olivia Yacé, who recently represented Côte d’Ivoire in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, has decided to step down from her title. She earned the distinction of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania and secured a spot as the fourth runner-up during the event held in Bangkok on November 21.

In a heartfelt social media post, Yacé expressed her determination to stay true to her values, which include respect and equal opportunity. She stated, “I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity.” This decision means she will cut ties with the Miss Universe Committee and focus on her mission of inspiring and uplifting others.

Yacé aimed to be a role model for young girls. She believes stepping away from the title will allow her to advocate for her beliefs more effectively. She encouraged communities of Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant individuals to enter spaces where they might not be welcomed, urging them to make their voices heard. “Our presence matters,” she said, emphasizing the importance of community and representation.

Interestingly, Yacé’s resignation follows another contestant, Brigitta Schaback from Estonia, stepping down from her title. Schaback shared her own concerns about the alignment of her values with the Miss Universe organization and vowed to continue supporting women’s empowerment independently.

This year’s pageant was marred by controversy. A contestant suffered an injury on stage, while internal turmoil led to judges resigning and allegations of exclusionary behavior becoming public. A significant incident involved Nawat Itsaragrisil, the president of Miss Universe for Asia and Oceania, who publicly reprimanded Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, for her performance, leading to protests from other contestants.

Experts and fans alike have observed a shift in beauty pageants. According to a recent survey from the Pew Research Center, 49% of people now believe these competitions should promote social issues alongside traditional beauty standards. Social media plays a crucial role in these discussions, allowing contestants like Yacé and Schaback to share their views directly with the audience.

In her concluding remarks, Yacé thanked everyone who supported her. “Let us continue to defend our values and strive for greatness together. IT’S TIME FOR AFRICA,” she declared. Her decision reflects a growing sentiment among contestants to prioritize personal integrity and social advocacy over traditional beauty titles.

Events like these highlight a transformative era in the world of pageantry, where contestants are increasingly using their platforms to address important social issues.



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