Raul Rocha Calls Miss Ivory Coast Failed In Miss Universe 2025 Final Due To Weak Passport

Olivia Yace (Photo: Instagram/@olivia.yace)

JAKARTA - The President of the Miss Universe Organization, Raul Rocha, sparked a hot topic of conversation after mentioning Olivia Yace's failure from Cote d'Ivoire in winning the Miss Universe 2025 crown in connection with her weak passport.

Yace has just stepped down from his title as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania through an official statement on Monday, November 23, just two days after being announced as fourth place champion at theappropriation held in Thailand on November 21. This year's main title was won by Fatima Bosch from Mexico.

In a live Spanish broadcast on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Rocha explained that Yace's passport is said to have limited travel access. He mentioned that Cote d'Ivoire passport holders must apply for visas to enter 175 countries, and this is difficult for the organization to handle.

For those who ask why Cote d'Ivoire does not win, there are many things that need to be evaluated. Just look at how many countries need visas, namely 175! he said, quoted from the Inquirer.net page.

Rocha added that Miss Universe had to travel to various countries for one year during its tenure, Yace would find it difficult to carry out the role. He even said Yace could spend a full year in an apartment if he won the crown. Until now, Yace has not responded to Rocha's statement.

Rocha's statement sparked public discussion about whether passport power was one of the conditions for participating in the Miss Universe event.

So far, there has never been an official announcement from Miss Universe that calls strong passports or international travel history a requirement for participants. Inquirer Entertainment contacted Miss Universe Philippines for clarification, but has not received an answer.

Olivia Yace herself comes from a respected family. She is the daughter of diplomat Jean-Marc Yace who also serves as a consultant for Mexican honor at Ivory Coast and the mayor of Cocody in Abidjan. Yace is also said to have a United States passport, although he has not confirmed this.

US passports are ranked 11th in the Henley Passport Index with visa-free access to 180 countries. In comparison, the Cote d'Ivoire passport is ranked 83, with visa-free access to 58 countries.

Meanwhile, the winner of Miss Universe 2025, Fatima Bosch, holds a Mexican passport that provides visa-free access to 157 countries (peringkat 23). Other finalists such as Praveenar Singh (Thailand), Stefany Abesali (Venzoela), and Ahtisa Manalo (Philippines), each have visa-free access to 80, 118, and 64 countries.

Shortly after Rocha's comments went viral, Ophely Mezino of Guadeloupe defended Yace through a long Instagram Story upload. He accused Rocha of making racist excuses to justify why Yace only grabbed the fourth runner-up position.

Are you looking for racist reasons for not choosing someone who actually really meets the qualifications? Did you read our biography? My friend has an American passport! What are you talking about?" Mezino wrote.

He called Rocha's statement a form of injustice and insult to the contestants who had made a big effort to take part in the event.

This is the worst reason I've ever heard of. I've been following the world of pageants for 10 years. It's embarrassing, disrespecting contestants, family, and countries that already give a lot of energy to your brand. How can you underestimate those countries like this?" he said.