Omar Harfouch named Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire the winner of an alternative Miss Universe vote following a public Instagram poll. The former Miss Universe judge said he launched the unofficial election to restore public confidence amid growing claims that this year’s results lacked credibility.
More than 5.2 million people visited Harfouch’s page to participate in the poll, which allowed users to choose between four finalists: Miss Côte d’Ivoire, Miss Philippines, Miss Venezuela and Miss Thailand. Yacé received 56 percent of the 323,000 votes cast, well ahead of her peers.
Harfouch described the outcome as “a clear international plebiscite” and rejected the legitimacy of the final selection presented at the official pageant. He repeated earlier claims that Miss Universe organisers quietly removed more than 100 countries from consideration before the competition, calling the move a breach of transparency.
Olivia Yacé Responds With Messages of Calm and Inspiration
Since stepping away from her Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2025 title, Yacé has remained measured in her approach. In a post shared with her followers, she cited Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey as lifelong influences and thanked them for shaping her view of leadership. She also expressed hope that she might meet both women one day and share her story with them.
Her message included quotes on resilience, dignity and strength. Without directly addressing the Miss Universe leadership or pageant outcome, she framed her response around the value of composure in the face of injustice. Supporters across Africa, the diaspora, and international pageant audiences have echoed her stance, saying the response aligns with the grace and professionalism she has shown since where she placed as second runner-up in Miss Universe 2021.
The Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee publicly supported her decision to withdraw from further obligations and said the move reflected her “personal integrity.” They thanked global audiences for the recognition Yacé has received beyond the official rankings.
Questions Remain for the Miss Universe Organisation
The 2025 Miss Universe competition has come under intense scrutiny since its conclusion. Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha faced widespread criticism after he suggested that contestants from countries with restricted travel access should not be crowned. Although he did not mention Olivia Yacé by name, many observers immediately linked his comments to her background and dual citizenship.
Miss Universe officials awarded the title to Mexico’s Fatima Bosch, who has not commented on the ongoing debate. She remains the official winner under the competition’s rules. Critics cite her shared nationality with Raul Rocha and alleged ties between her family and the organisation, though no evidence has emerged to support claims of misconduct. Bosch’s supporters continue to stand by her performance, and many have called for pageant audiences to avoid targeting individual contestants.
Several national directors and fans have urged MUO to conduct a full review of the 2025 event, including how delegates were selected and how judges were briefed. While the organisation has yet to issue a comprehensive response, calls for transparency continue to grow. The long-term impact on its reputation remains to be seen.
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Final Thoughts
Olivia Yacé’s recognition through the Harfouch-led public vote has sparked global discussion on fairness and representation in international pageants. Her decision to speak with restraint and clarity has resonated across multiple regions, even as official silence from MUO continues. Fatima Bosch holds the Miss Universe crown and deserves recognition for her achievement. But the credibility of the institution behind it has been weakened.
An independent inquiry would not only clarify the events of this year but would also restore confidence in a platform meant to celebrate women’s excellence. All contestants deserve respect, and every future title must carry integrity that is above dispute.
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