Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Raul Rocha is once again under fire — this time for comments about Cote d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yace, one of this year’s fan-favorite candidates.
In a live video circulating on pageant pages online, Rocha was asked why he thinks Yace failed to take home the Miss Universe crown despite her strong showing in the competition. Speaking in Spanish, he claimed Yace’s “weak passport” may have been a factor, pointing out the challenges she would face traveling to different countries.
“Look at how many countries Cote d’Ivoire needs a visa in order to enter: 175! What? Yes, 175!” Rocha said, adding that Yace could end up spending her reign in her apartment.
Yace finished as fourth runner-up in the 74th Miss Universe and was given the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title, which she later renounced. She has not addressed Rocha’s remarks publicly as of writing.
Guadeloupe’s Ophely Mezino criticized Rocha on Instagram Stories, calling out the “lack of respect” shown toward contestants and their supporters. “Are you trying to find a racist excuse for the fact that you didn’t choose someone who was highly qualified for this job?” she wrote, noting that Yace also holds an American passport.
