Miss Estonia and Ivory Coast give up titles after controversies at Miss Universe 2025
Two candidates who stood out at Miss Universo 2025 announced their renunciation of the titles won in the competition held at Tailândia. Olivia Yacé, fifth place and representative of Costa of Marfim, and Brigitta Schaback, Miss Estônia, communicated their decisions between Sunday (23) and Monday (24). The departures occur amid complaints of a lack of transparency, insults and alleged irregularities in the voting in the edition that ended on Friday (20).
The Mexican Fátima Bosch was the winner of the contest, with the Indian Veena Praveenar in second place and the Venezuelan Stephany Abasaly in third. The Brazilian Gabriela Lacerda was part of the Top 30.
Reasons for resignations
Olivia Yacé reported that the decision aims to maintain fidelity to the values of respect, dignity and equal opportunities.
The African miss also returned the continental queen sash from África and Oceania.
Brigitta Schaback alleged disagreement with the conduct of the national board of Miss Estônia.
The European candidate reinforced her commitment to female empowerment and will now act independently.
Insult to the winner
Fátima Bosch was publicly insulted by Thai executive Nawat Itsaragrisil in early November.
During a live broadcast, the organizer called the Mexican “stupid” for the supposed lack of content about Tailândia on social media.
The episode gained international repercussion and received comments from the president of México, Claudia Sheinbaum.
The Miss Universo organization condemned the attitude and classified the behavior as inappropriate.
Charges to the jury
Two members announced their withdrawal from the judging panel during the week of the event.
French composer Omar Harfouch denounced an alleged “illegitimate secret vote” and called the Mexican victory false.
The organization denied manipulation and stated that the process followed established rules.
Former player Claude Makélélé left the jury for personal reasons that were not detailed.
National reactions
Committees from Costa, Marfim and França demanded official explanations about the voting system.
Miss France expressed the possibility of not participating in the 2026 edition without clarification.
Other national delegations also question the sequence of recorded incidents.
The competition management has not yet commented on the most recent resignations.
Typical Brazilian costume
Gabriela Lacerda presented Nossa Senhora Aparecida’s costume in the traditional costumes stage.
The choice paid homage to the patron saint of Brasil and received support from followers on the networks.
The candidate thanked the Brazilian public for following throughout the competition.
- The 2025 edition saw falls on stage, protests and widespread negative coverage on the networks.
- Episodes of lack of structure and different treatment of candidates were also reported.
- The victory of Fátima Bosch is seen by the public as a response to the insult suffered.
The competition maintains a schedule for the next edition on a date that has not yet been confirmed.
