THAILAND.— The resignation of Olivia Yacé, Miss Ivory Coast, to her title of “Miss Universe Africa and Oceania”, as well as her decision to distance herself from any ties with Miss Universe It generated controversy and much speculation.
But it has caused more controversy and scandal Raúl Rocha Cantú, president of Miss Universe Organization (MUO), who decided explains why the representative of Ivory Coast did not win Miss Universe 2025.
Likewise, the Mexican businessman not only came out in defense of the Tabasco woman Fatima Boschbut also mentioned the reasons why Miss Mexico took the crown.
It should be noted that Olivia Yacé, was one of the favorites to win Miss Universe 2025but in the final of the beauty pageant she was the fifth finalist.
Ivory Coast, Olivia Yacé, has just been announced as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, the title of continental queen 🇨🇮 #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/xEScrs8zSk
— nacho con O (@NachoConO) November 21, 2025
Why didn’t Olivia Yacé, Miss Ivory Coast, win Miss Universe 2025?
In an interview with the journalist, Adela Micha, Raúl Rocha spoke about the controversy of Miss Universe 2025 and although he reiterated that the triumph of the Mexican Fatima Bosch was legitimate and true, and that there is nothing fraudulent about it, he also explained why The woman from Tabasco took the crown and not Olivia Yacé.
And it is that Rocha Cantu He highlighted that in the contest Miss Universe not only beauty is evaluated of the participants.
“The walk on the catwalk, whoever looks better, you fix that, what you bring inside here, in your head does not change“said the businessman when talking about the other aspects that are taken into account when choosing the winner of the beauty pageant.
However, Raul Rocha was very emphatic when mentioning that one of the most relevant factors is that the contestants have the possibility of traveling around the worldjust as he did Victoria Kjær during her reign as Miss Universe 2024.
“Victoria visited one country a week… is the one that has met the most with the most dignitaries, presidents and princes,” said the president of MUO, suggesting that this was a determining factor for the representative of the Ivory Coast was not the winner.
“Ivory Coast needs, Go to Google, everyone has a cell phone and search: ‘How many countries ask for a VISA? to Ivory Coast to enter?’ 175, what? Yes 175, the job is for one year of Miss Universe,” added the Mexican businessman.
The RIDICULOUS Raul Rocha came out to say that Ivory Coast did not win the Miss Universe because he needs a visa in 175 countries. Someone tell this CLOWN that Olivia is an American resident and has an American passport 🤡 Why the hell are you inviting them to participate then? pic.twitter.com/zl4oa1McsD
— Giselle 🤍 (@gigille09) November 24, 2025
After his explanation, Raul Rocha Cantu He was very punctual in indicating that This situation played against Miss Ivory Coast, Although she was considered, it was taken into account that the procedures for her to travel would be very long and she would not have the opportunity to travel, as the position requires.
“So, I was going to be the Miss Universe who spent a year in the apartmentbecause one: the cost of the visa process with lawyers and two, with one of them 6 months in advance are required and the year has already passed,” the Mexican explained.
“We want Universe to be the one that travels the most and has contact with people in the world and If they ask for a visa in 175 countries, it is somewhat difficultright?” Rocha Cantú reiterated as the reason why Olivia Yacé was left out.
He CEO of Miss Universe took advantage of the talk with Adela Micha to return to deny allegations of alleged fraud and stated that the former jury Omar Harfouch did not resign, But he fired him after “countless out-of-context attitudes.”
*With information from The Financier.