Top Five Finalist Walks Away As Miss Universe Turmoil Explodes

When Olivia Yacé stepped into the global spotlight at Miss Universe 2025, her poised performance signaled the rise of a new pageant powerhouse.

However, just days after securing her place among the top five finalists, the Ivorian beauty queen shocked the pageant world by resigning her continental title.

Her decision rippled across an already turbulent Miss Universe season, revealing deeper fractures behind the glamour.

Yacé, celebrated across Côte d’Ivoire and beyond for her elegance, discipline, and fiercely modern take on pageantry, has officially stepped away from her role as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.

Her decision arrived swiftly after she placed among the top five finalists in Bangkok on November 21, an accomplishment that positioned her as one of the year’s breakout stars. Yet instead of riding the wave of acclaim, Yacé appeared on Instagram with a message underscored by gratitude, resolve, and a distinct sense of finality.

She announced “with a heart full of gratitude and profound respect” that she was relinquishing her continental crown. The timing, combined with the tone of her statement, instantly sent speculation swirling within pageant circles.

Explaining her choice, Yacé reflected on the strength she discovered through competition.

“As the representative of Côte d'Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, 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 wrote.

For her, staying true to those principles meant fully cutting ties. She clarified that her resignation extended to “any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.”

In the same announcement, Yacé described how her time as an ambassador had shaped her.

“Throughout my journey as an ambassador and beauty queen, I have served with commitment, resilience, discipline, and determination,” she wrote, adding that she could only reach her fullest potential if she remained “firmly anchored in my values guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence.”

The heart of her message rested on her unwavering dedication to the next generation. She spoke passionately of her “greatest wish,” which is to inspire young girls to rise beyond perceived limitations. “I encourage them to push their limits, to walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong, and to proudly embrace their identity,” she emphasized.

According to Yacé, stepping back wasn’t an act of retreat but an intentional pivot. “Stepping away from this diminished role of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania will allow me to dedicate myself fully to defending the values I hold dear,” she wrote.

She then called on Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities to persist in breaking barriers, writing, “continue entering spaces where you are not expected. Let us open the way for the brothers and sisters who will follow us. Never let anyone define who we are or limit our potential. Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard.”

She closed her message by congratulating the new Miss Universe winner, Fátima Bosch, and sending “a swift recovery” to Miss Universe Jamaica Gabrielle Henry, who suffered an unfortunate fall during the preliminary evening gown competition.

Her farewell reflected grace, strength, and deep appreciation.

“I am deeply grateful for the support I have received and for the unforgettable experiences that have shaped me. I will now continue my journey differently, with the same determination to uplift and inspire,” she wrote. “Thank you to all those who have been part of this exceptional adventure. Let us continue to defend our values and strive for greatness together.”

While Yacé’s resignation took fans by surprise, her national pageant organization quickly confirmed the news.

On Facebook, the Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee (COMICI) expressed its regrets over her resignation.

Their statement went on to make the separation formal, noting that COMICI had notified the international organization directly.

They wrote, “Consequently, COMICI officially informs the Miss Universe organization of the withdrawal of the Ivorian candidate from all titles and mandates issued by this organization.”

They emphasized that her title was relinquished effective immediately, noting, “Olivia [Yace] therefore relinquishes her title of Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, effective immediately.” COMICI added that she would “formally return her Africa & Oceania sash to the organization to ensure that no one is unaware of this and to attest to this joint decision.”

The rapid confirmation signaled a united and decisive move, rare in a pageant scene where resignations often come with layers of politics, unanswered questions, and quiet tension.

Yacé was not the only contestant stepping down in the aftermath of Miss Universe 2025.

Estonia’s Brigitta Schaback also resigned from her title shortly after the international competition, adding fuel to a fire many fans and analysts had already noticed smoldering within the organization.

In her Instagram announcement on November 23, Schaback stated plainly, “My values and work ethics do not align with those of the National Director, Natalie Korneitsik.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to empowerment causes, writing, “My commitment is to women's empowerment and equality, and I will continue this work independently, without any further association with Miss Universe Estonia.” She ended with gratitude, “Thank you everyone for your kind words and support.”

Her national organization publicly countered the implication of conflict, telling PEOPLE, “There was no personal conflict involved” in her resignation. They defended their director, stating, “The National Director made every effort to provide Brigitta Schaback with the opportunity to participate in the Miss Universe competition.”

They also addressed what they described as inappropriate conduct, stating, “Unfortunately, some of Mrs. Schaback’s recent public comments were inappropriate, harmful to others, not aligned with professional protocols, and contributed to public controversy.”

Their later statement reiterated concerns. They said, “Unfortunately, some of Mrs. Schaback’s recent public comments were inappropriate, harmful to others and were not aligned with these professional protocols and contributed to public controversy.”

They claimed that Schaback’s actions after Miss Universe 2025 included “unauthorized negative statements about the organization” and failing to meet certain sponsor obligations. Ultimately, they said, the organization “initiated the formal process to conclude Brigitta Schaback’s duties.”

With two resignations in rapid succession, questions about behind-the-scenes tension only grew louder.

The season leading up to Miss Universe 2025 was already marked by controversy before finalists took the stage.

On November 4, pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil confronted eventual winner Fátima Bosch for allegedly skipping a promotional photo shoot. The tense exchange, captured on a livestream, showed several contestants walking out.

Then came a cascade of resignations from within the judging panel itself. Musician Omar Harfouch abruptly quit, claiming an “impromptu jury” had been formed to select semifinalists, a claim the Miss Universe Organization denied.

Pro soccer legend Claude Makélélé stepped down soon after, citing personal reasons. Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, serving as president of the selection committee, also withdrew.

By the time the finals aired, Miss Universe 2025 had become a swirl of glamour, achievement, and escalating scandal.

Yacé’s resignation, calm, principled, and unshakably self-assured, became the latest and most resonant chapter. Her departure didn’t simply mark a personal transition but spotlighted a broader crisis within one of the world’s most iconic pageants.

As the season ends, one can only wonder how many more crowns will fall before Miss Universe finds its footing again.