Miss Universe president says Ivory Coast's Olivia Yace lost because of weak passport

By Linh Le December 1, 2025 | 10:19 pm PT

Raul Rocha, president of the Miss Universe Organization, has drawn criticism after saying that Olivia Yace of Ivory Coast did not win the Miss Universe 2025 crown because her passport does not allow her to travel to many countries visa-free.

Olivia Yace, representing Ivory Coast at the Miss Universe 2025 contest. Photo from Yace's Instagram

Filipino news site ABS-CBN reported that in a livestream posted after the Nov. 21 finale in Bangkok, Rocha was asked why Yace, widely viewed as one of the strongest contenders, did not take the title.

Speaking in Spanish, the Mexican executive stated: "Look at how many countries Ivory Coast needs a visa to enter: 175! What? Yes, 175!"

He added that a Miss Universe winner must travel extensively, implying that visa restrictions would hamper Yace's ability to fulfil those duties.

Yace finished as fourth runner-up at the 74th Miss Universe competition and was also named Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, a continental title she later declined. The crown went to Mexico's Fatima Bosch, a result that has drawn heavy criticism from pageant fans.

Rocha's comments provoked swift backlash on social media, with many describing the remarks as "racist" and "unprofessional."

Ophely Mezino, who represented Guadeloupe at this year's pageant, defended Yace in an Instagram story, calling Rocha’s comments "disrespectful" to contestants and to the Miss Universe community. Mezino also questioned Rocha’s argument on factual grounds, noting that Yace reportedly holds an American passport.

"My heart is burning. I don’t like injustice," she stated.

The Guardian reported that Rocha is under investigation over alleged drug, gun and fuel trafficking between Guatemala and Mexico, one of several controversies surrounding this year’s Miss Universe contest.