Controversy Erupts as Miss Finland's Photo Sparks Racism Debate

Wed Dec 17 2025 15:13:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Miss Finland, Sarah Dzafce, faces backlash over a viral photo where she mimics 'slanted eyes', igniting accusations of racism and leading to her dethronement.

In a decision that has ignited a widespread controversy, Sarah Dzafce, the representative of Finland in the Miss Universe pageant, was dethroned after a viral image showed her pulling the corners of her eyes, accompanied by the caption about dining with a Chinese person. The incident drew severe criticism from various Asian nations and resulted in backlash against the airline Finnair, as well as calls for sanctions against supportive Finnish politicians. Both Dzafce and the Miss Finland organization have since issued apologies, emphasizing the importance of respect and the harmful effects of racism.

The controversy surrounds Miss Finland's participation in the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand. Sarah Dzafce's viral post where she appears to pull the corners of her eyes has triggered a firestorm over perceived racism, particularly in East Asia.

Describing her dinner experience, Ms. Dzafce's accompanying caption, eating with a Chinese, sparked allegations of a racially insensitive gesture. The uproar reached Japan, South Korea, and even led to public relations challenges for Finland's flag carrier, Finnair.

The reaction from Finnish authorities has been swift, with the Prime Minister branding the gesture as thoughtless and stupid, while acknowledging the potential damage inflicted on Finland's international reputation. The backlash prompted the prime minister's office to stress the importance of fostering respect among diverse backgrounds.

Despite Dzafce’s claim that her friend authored the controversial caption without her consent, the situation has escalated to the point where she has expressed her regret and emphasized that disrespect was never her intention. This apology was met with skepticism, as many pointed out its insincerity due to a lack of a broader public understanding.

Additionally, two right-wing MPs who supported Dzafce have come under fire for sharing similar poses, further complicating the political landscape regarding racism within Finland.

Amidst all this, Finnair sought to clarify its values in response to consumer backlash in Asia, reaffirming its commitment to respect for all customers. A public petition for investigating anti-Asian discrimination in Finland has begun circulating, amassing support from thousands of individuals.

In conclusion, the Miss Finland Organisation's decision to dethrone Dzafce underscores a growing awareness of the implications of social media behavior in representing a nation on a global platform. The organization emphasized in their statement the need for role models to exhibit respect towards all people regardless of their background.

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