Miss Universe’s Fourth Runner-Up Renounces Title, Ends Association with Pageant
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Miss-Ivory-Coast-Olivia-Yace-112425-2025-Miss-Universe-01-92ba85e4ef884e5985b504ffb0d808b0.jpg)
Olivia Yace, the contestant from Côte d’Ivoire who achieved a top-five placement at Miss Universe 2025, has decided to step down from her position as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. Her announcement came on November 24, where she cited her desire to serve as a positive role model for the younger generation as her primary reason for resigning.
Brigitta Schaback, another contestant who represented Estonia at the pageant, also announced her withdrawal from the title of Miss Universe Estonia shortly after the competition concluded. Schaback shared her decision in an Instagram post on November 23, highlighting that her personal values and professional ethics were not in alignment with those of the National Director, Natalie Korneitsik.
Yace, in her Instagram post, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in Miss Universe 2025 and emphasized the importance of upholding values such as respect, dignity, and equality. She stressed the need to stay true to her guiding principles in order to achieve her full potential and serve as an inspiration for young girls to strive for greatness.
Acknowledging the winner of Miss Universe 2025, Fátima Bosch, Yace also extended her best wishes to Miss Universe Jamaica Gabrielle Henry, who encountered an incident during the competition. Yace’s decision to relinquish her title was motivated by her commitment to championing the values she holds dear and empowering communities of Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant descent.
The Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee (COMICI) released a statement on Facebook regarding Yace’s resignation, expressing regret over her departure from the role and formally informing the Miss Universe organization of her decision to step down from all associated titles and mandates. The committee clarified that Yace would be returning her sash to ensure a seamless transition.
On the other hand, the Miss Estonia organization addressed Schaback’s resignation, emphasizing that the decision was made due to a misalignment between her public comments and professional standards set by the pageant. While details of the specific comments were not disclosed, the organization highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism, diplomacy, and effective communication skills among contestants.
The Miss Universe Organization has been making headlines leading up to the final competition, with notable incidents such as allegations of internal misconduct and controversies surrounding the selection process for finalists. These developments have stirred public interest and raised questions about transparency and fairness within the pageant industry.
As the stories of Olivia Yace and Brigitta Schaback unfold, they shed light on the complexities and challenges faced by beauty pageant contestants beyond the glamour of the stage. Their decisions to step away from their titles underscore the significance of individual integrity and values in the pursuit of personal and professional excellence within the competitive world of pageantry.
The evolving narratives of Yace and Schaback serve as a reminder that authenticity and ethical conduct are integral components of representing diverse communities and inspiring future generations of women. As the pageant landscape continues to evolve, the voices and choices of contestants like Yace and Schaback contribute to shaping a more inclusive and empowering environment for all individuals involved in the industry.