Backlash Over Miss Finland's 'Slanted-Eyes' Photo: A Lesson in Cultural Sensitivity

Thu Dec 18 2025 16:18:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Miss Finland, Sarah Dzafce, faces public outrage after posting a controversial photo that many interpret as racially insensitive. The incident raises questions about cultural respect and accountability.

Sarah Dzafce, Miss Finland, stirred significant controversy after posting a photo that many deemed racially insensitive, where she pulled her eyes into a slanted shape. The caption 'eating with a Chinese' ignited backlash from various communities, prompting her to apologize and ultimately leading to her dethronement as Miss Finland. The Finnish Prime Minister condemned the act, labeling it thoughtless and critically highlighting the impact of such behavior on international relations. The incident has led to wider discussions on racism and cultural discrimination in Finland.

The Miss Finland 2025, Sarah Dzafce, is at the center of a major controversy following a viral photo that has drawn widespread accusations of racism. In the image, Dzafce is seen pulling her eyelids at the corners while captioning it, 'eating with a Chinese,' which many have interpreted as a derogatory gesture towards East Asians.

The backlash was swift, with reactions pouring in from Japan, South Korea, and China, necessitating a public response from the Finnish government. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo described Dzafce's actions as 'thoughtless and stupid,' warning that such antics could severely damage Finland's international reputation.

Dzafce's attempts to explain the photo—claiming it was a reaction to a headache and that a friend had added the offending caption without her consent—did little to quell the anger. She subsequently issued an apology stating her intentions were never hostile and emphasized the importance of respect for all backgrounds and differences.

The situation escalated as right-wing Finnish politicians posted their own slanted-eye images in support of Dzafce, provoking further public outcry. Orpo condemned these actions as juvenile and lacking decorum expected of public figures. The Finns Party had to consider disciplinary actions for those MPs involved.

As negative sentiments grow, Finnair, Finland's national airline, reported that calls for a boycott of Finland have surfaced, emphasizing that the behavior of certain politicians does not align with the company's values of respect and inclusion. The Finnish embassy in Japan acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, stating that it highlights ongoing challenges related to racism in Finnish society.

This incident not only affected Dzafce's position as Miss Finland, leading to her dethronement, but also opened broader discussions about cultural sensitivity and racism in Finland, with a petition launched in Japan to investigate anti-Asian discrimination.

Overall, the fallout from Dzafce's photo serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cultural respect and the responsibilities that come with public visibility.

}