Déborah Djema, who was crowned Miss Universe DR Congo 2025, has officially lost her title due to her refusal to sign the mandatory international agreements prescribed by Miss Universe International. Failure to comply with these contractual obligations led the Miss Universe DR Congo committee to revoke her crown, just days after she was awarded it.
In a public statement issued on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the Miss Universe DR Congo organizers clarified that Déborah is no longer permitted to use her title or associate herself with the competition. The committee revealed that the decision stemmed from Déborah's rejection of the agreements, dismissing them as “misaligned with her expectations and unsuitable.”
The organizers emphasized, “These agreements are mandatory, determined by Miss Universe International, and cannot be altered at the discretion of the winner. Failure to honor them may result in DR Congo being permanently banned from participating in the Miss Universe competition.”
Following the crown revocation, Déborah Djema was given a strict 48-hour deadline to delete all images, videos, logos, and any title-related mentions from her social media accounts. The committee warned that non-compliance could lead to legal consequences due to unauthorized use of intellectual property associated with the competition.
The Miss Universe DR Congo organizers reaffirmed their commitment to adhering to the rules of the international pageant, stating that even in difficult circumstances, compliance remains a priority. The identity of who will now represent DR Congo in the global competition, set to occur in Thailand in December 2025, remains uncertain.
Déborah Djema’s Background and Ambitions
Déborah Djema boasts notable academic achievements, including a Master’s degree in technology-driven business and a degree in applied foreign languages from Sorbonne Université Paris. Additionally, she holds diplomas in Chinese cultural studies, political science, and business. A multilingual talent, Déborah speaks French, Chinese, English, Spanish, and Lingala fluently. She has consistently championed the idea that learning a language is essential for fully understanding a culture.
Déborah had envisioned promoting technological advancement among the youth in DR Congo, particularly in efficient data management. Her goal was to see DR Congo emerge as a leading tech hub in East Africa within five years, and potentially as a global leader within a decade. Her inspirational advice to young people has always centered on embracing their unique talents and striving to unlock their full potential.
Timeline of Events
Déborah Djema was crowned Miss Universe DR Congo 2025 on August 22, 2025, with the expectation of representing the country at the international Miss Universe event later in the year. However, this dream was cut short when her title was formally revoked on September 2, 2025, over the contract dispute.
This unforeseen decision by the committee stripped Déborah Djema of her crown mere days after her selection.
The Miss Universe DR Congo committee clarified that her refusal to sign the Miss Universe International-provided contracts led to the removal of her title.
As part of the title dismissal, Déborah Djema was instructed to erase all title-related mentions and visuals across her social platforms within 48 hours to comply with the competition rules.
Déborah Djema’s title revocation reflects strict adherence to Miss Universe rules, emphasizing the importance of compliance in high-profile pageants.
