Miss Universe Organization owner Raul Rocha has addressed questions about why Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire was not crowned Miss Universe 2025, a day after the contestant resigned from her role as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.

In a livestream reposted across pageantry social media accounts, Rocha cited logistical challenges related to travel, pointing out that citizens of Côte d’Ivoire require visas to enter 175 countries. He suggested this could make it difficult for a titleholder to fulfill the Miss Universe duties, which involve extensive international travel.

“She’s going to be the Miss Universe who spent a whole year in an apartment because of the cost of the visa process with lawyers. Some of them require six months’ notice. The year’s already gone, right?” Rocha said, translated into English.

He added that a Miss Universe winner must travel frequently and engage with people worldwide, making visa requirements a potential hurdle.

Olivia Yacé Steps Down

Yacé, who placed in the top five at Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, officially resigned from her role as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania on November 24. In her Instagram statement, she emphasized her commitment to being a role model for young girls and advocating for her values.

“Stepping away from this diminished role… will allow me to dedicate myself fully to defending the values I hold dear,” Yacé wrote.
“I call upon Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendant communities: continue entering spaces where you are not expected. Never let anyone define who we are or limit our potential. Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard.”

Her resignation also includes any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee, and she will return her Africa & Oceania sash, according to the Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee (COMICI).

Contestant Reactions

Fellow contestant Ophély Mézino of Guadeloupe responded critically to Rocha’s comments via Instagram Stories, questioning whether visa logistics were used as an excuse to justify not selecting Yacé.

“Did you let them participate just to speak about diversity and inclusion?” Mézino wrote.
“You steal the hope of millions of people who don’t understand why they are not in the Top 30/12/5. This is the worst excuse I have ever heard.”

Mézino also highlighted that she holds a French passport in addition to her Guadeloupean one and criticized the organization for showing a lack of respect to contestants from smaller territories.

Visa Challenges Highlight Larger Issues

Rocha’s statements shed light on the logistical complexities of international pageants, particularly for contestants from countries with strict visa requirements. However, the comments sparked controversy, with many interpreting them as insensitive or dismissive of Yacé’s qualifications and accomplishments.

The Miss Universe Organization, Raul Rocha, and COMICI have not issued additional comments to PEOPLE regarding the situation.