Miss Finland title revoked after racism controversy in social media post

Miss Finland organiser revoked Sarah Dzafce’s title after backlash over a social media post widely seen as mocking East Asians.

The Miss Finland Organizing Committee has revoked Sarah Dzafce’s title after a racial discrimination controversy, according to Finnish public broadcaster Yle. The committee said she failed her responsibilities as a national representative and stated that racial discrimination is unacceptable.

Dzafce, 22, was crowned Miss Finland in September and recently represented Finland at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand. She faced criticism last month after posting a photo where she pulled her eyes into slits.

The post carried the caption “Dining with a Chinese person,” which was widely viewed as mocking East Asians. Dzafce said she had a severe headache and was massaging her temples, and claimed a friend wrote the caption without her consent.

A video later surfaced showing her speaking from a Finnair business class seat and referencing being in business class while facing backlash. On 8 December, she posted an apology on Instagram and said she would think more carefully before posting.

After Dzafce returned to Finland, the committee removed her title and awarded the crown to first runner-up Tara Lehtonen, 25. The committee also said the decision removed Dzafce’s role as Finland’s representative and the benefits linked to the winner’s contract.