Thu Dec 18 21:00:00 UTC 2025: Miss Finland Stripped of Crown After Offensive Photo Sparks International Outrage
HELSINKI – Sarah Dzafce, Finland’s delegate to the recent Miss Universe pageant, has been dethroned and embroiled in a major controversy after a photo of her making a slanted-eye gesture went viral. The image, initially posted with the caption “eating with a Chinese,” was widely condemned as racist and disrespectful towards East Asians.
The post ignited a firestorm of criticism from Japan, South Korea, and China, with some calling for a boycott of Finnair, the Finnish national airline. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo labeled the gesture “thoughtless and stupid,” adding that the controversy was damaging to the country’s reputation.
Dzafce claimed the offensive caption was added by a friend without her consent and that the gesture was simply a reaction to a headache. While she has since apologized, some have criticized the apology as insincere.
Adding fuel to the fire, two right-wing Finnish MPs posted photos mimicking Dzafce’s gesture in a show of support, prompting further outrage and calls for sanctions against them. Prime Minister Orpo condemned their actions as childish and inappropriate for lawmakers.
Finnair has acknowledged the controversy has impacted the company, with some calling for a tourist boycott. The airline issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to respecting all people.
The incident has also spurred a broader conversation about anti-Asian discrimination in Finland. A Japanese resident of Finland has launched a petition calling for an investigation into the issue, garnering over 7,000 signatures. The Finnish embassy in Japan has acknowledged receiving numerous inquiries regarding Finland’s efforts to address racism.
The Miss Finland Organisation stated that dethroning Dzafce was a difficult but necessary decision, as Miss Finland is expected to be a role model who respects all people. They also apologized for the harm caused, particularly to the Asian community.
First Piper 