Olivia Yacé: from African "black pearl" to sudden withdrawal from MU 2025

Olivia Yacé, the Ivorian beauty who won the 4th runner-up of Miss Universe 2025 and the title of Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, suddenly announced her withdrawal. This decision made fans regretful, because she was expected to become a global beauty icon.

Olivia Yacé has long been considered one of Africa's most prominent beauty icons in recent decades. With a height of 1.8 m, a confident demeanor, professional performance skills and a radiant smile, she quickly became an inspirational face in the international beauty arena. However, Olivia's sudden decision to give up and return all of her Miss Universe titles has created a huge shock for the global beauty community.

Origin and childhood in Ivory Coast

Born in 1998 in Abidjan, Olivia grew up in a family with a strong cultural and educational background. Her father, Jean-Marc Yacé, is the mayor of Cocody – one of the most developed and civilized areas of the capital.

In this nurturing environment, Olivia learned theatre from a young age, taking classes in personal development, performance and presentation. This was the foundation that helped her develop a distinct self-confidence and outstanding communication skills.

The path of education in America

As an adult, Olivia went to the US to study Marketing at Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles). Her years of studying here not only broadened her social horizons but also helped Olivia access a network of models, designers, and major events in the US. She began to work as a freelance model, honing her catwalk and posing skills, thereby building her own unique performance style: natural, liberal but still luxurious.

After graduating, Olivia returned to her hometown with the desire to develop a professional modeling career and participate in community campaigns to support young women - something she has always pursued since her student days.

The turning point of the coronation of Miss Ivory Coast 2021

2021 marked a major turning point in Olivia Yacé's career when she decided to try her hand at Miss Côte d'Ivoire. Right from the first rounds, Olivia became the focus of the media and audience thanks to her outstanding appearance, sharp demeanor and professional performance that was no less than that of experienced models.

With her confidence and stage presence, she won overwhelmingly, officially crowned Miss Ivory Coast. This crown not only affirmed Olivia's beauty status in the country but also opened the door for her to represent the country in the international arena, starting with Miss World 2021.

Shine brightly at Miss World 2021

At Miss World 2021, Olivia Yacé truly exploded as a "new star" in the international beauty arena. With a captivating performance, she excellently entered the Top 3 and won the title of 2nd Runner-up - the highest achievement that Ivory Coast has ever achieved in the history of the contest.

Possessing modern African beauty, elegant style and intelligence in behavior, Olivia not only conquered the judges but also became a typical symbol of the image of confident, brave and attractive African women.

Explosive journey at Miss Universe 2025

In 2025, Olivia Yacé continued her beauty journey when she represented Côte d'Ivoire at Miss Universe held in Bangkok, Thailand. From the very beginning, she became the focus of international media, continuously ranked in the group of strongest candidates and was predicted by many beauty sites such as Sash Factor, Crown Sisters or Miss Universal Rankings to have the ability to win the crown.

On stage, Olivia asserted her confidence with a strong, energetic swimsuit performance, a proud national costume with traditional Akan motifs and a delicately cut evening gown that accentuated her proud figure. In particular, in the behavioral round, she left a deep impression with an inspirational message for young women: "Go where you thought you could not, and shine with your own value."

In the end, Olivia won the title of 4th runner-up and was also awarded the title of Miss Universe Africa & Oceania. Although she did not win the title, she was still praised by the global audience as the "black pearl" of Miss Universe, an icon of African beauty full of charm and courage.

The image of the "black pearl" is memorable

Throughout her journey at Miss Universe, Olivia Yacé always shone with her characteristic beauty: healthy, shiny brown skin, a radiant smile and a naturally attractive demeanor. It was this prominence that made the international audience affectionately give her the nickname "Black Pearl - Miss Universe's Black Pearl".

Not only did she impress on stage, Olivia also scored points thanks to her friendliness, her willingness to support other contestants, and her professional attitude in all activities. In particular, she once came to Vietnam to collaborate with designer Nguyen Tien Truyen and the Quan Nguyen - Pu Le team in preparing costumes, thereby creating great sympathy with the Vietnamese beauty fan community, affirming the image of a beauty queen who is both talented and approachable.

Shocking decision to withdraw

On November 23, 2025, COMICI – the copyright holder of Miss Universe in Ivory Coast – surprised the public when it announced that Olivia Yacé had officially resigned and returned the entire Miss Universe Africa & Oceania title. The reason given was quite vague, only summed up in the phrase "personal issues related to post-contest tasks".

Shortly after, Olivia also made a notable move by unfollowing the official Miss Universe account on Instagram and switching to Miss Grand International. This action immediately sparked many speculations about the possibility of internal conflicts or that she was planning a new journey. COMICI affirmed that returning the sash was a mutual decision between both parties to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

However, this information still makes global fans regretful, because Olivia was expected to become one of the most successful international beauty pageant models in Africa in recent years.

Personal mark and life off stage

Her image is not only associated with the fashion catwalk but also with the role of a responsible social activist. Besides, Olivia is a sports lover, has a special passion for football and always admires the famous player Didier Drogba - the football icon of Ivory Coast.

After Miss Universe 2025, her appeal continued to spread when her Instagram account surpassed one million followers, putting Olivia in the group of contestants with the fastest growing fan base of the season, affirming her status as a global star.

Although the story of Olivia Yacé’s withdrawal is still full of questions, her journey is a clear testament to the talent, drive and character of a new generation of African beauty icons. She is someone who dares to step out of her comfort zone and choose her own path – even when the spotlight is at its brightest.