In a controversy that has captured attention across Finland, Sarah Dzafce has been stripped of her Miss Finland crown after posting a photo that sparked accusations of racism.
The post showed her making a slanted-eye gesture while captioning it about “eating with a Chinese person,” which many considered offensive toward Asian people.
Dzafce, who had only been crowned three months ago, initially defended herself by saying she was stretching her eyes and rubbing her temples due to a severe headache.
But the backlash was swift, and she later issued a public apology for the gesture.
Social Media Post Sparks Outrage
The post appeared on the German social media platform Jodel and included the caption “kiinalaisenkaa syömäs,” roughly translating to “eating with a Chinese person.”
The combination of the caption and the gesture was widely condemned as derogatory.
Public criticism mounted quickly, prompting the Miss Finland organisation to intervene.
On Wednesday, they released a statement emphasizing that they “do not accept racism or any form of discriminatory behaviour.”
Miss Finland Organisation Takes Action
The very next day, the organisation held a press conference announcing that Dzafce had been dethroned.
Tara Lehtonen, who was the runner-up in the September pageant, was officially crowned the new Miss Finland.
The organisation also issued an apology for the incident, acknowledging the serious nature of the situation and the need to uphold the pageant’s values.
Dzafce Issues Apology
At the press conference, Sarah Dzafce, who is of Finnish and Kosovan descent and hails from Oulu, expressed remorse for her actions.
“I am very sorry to everyone I have offended and hurt by my actions on social media,” she said, offering a personal apology for the controversy.
Her statement marked an attempt to take responsibility, though the dethroning served as a clear signal that discriminatory behavior would not be tolerated.
New Miss Finland Vows to Uphold the Title
Tara Lehtonen, stepping into the role mid-year under exceptional circumstances, shared her excitement and commitment on Instagram.
“Today, I have accepted the title of Miss Finland 2025.
I promise to carry this title with pride and great respect,” she wrote.
Acknowledging that her journey as Miss Finland is unconventional, Lehtonen said she plans to turn the situation into an opportunity.
“Although the starting point is not traditional, I will do my best to carry out my task well and with dignity,” she added.
A Lesson in Responsibility and Respect
The incident has sparked a broader conversation in Finland about social media responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and the standards expected of public figures.
With a new Miss Finland now in place, the organisation hopes to move forward while emphasizing respect, inclusion, and the values the title represents.
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