Miss Finland Sarah Dzafce has lost her crown following controversial comments made on social media. The decision came after she participated in the Miss Universe pageant earlier this month. The Miss Finland organization announced the revocation of her title due to a racially insensitive post that sparked public outrage.
Details of the Controversial Post
The incident arose from a photo shared by Dzafce, in which she was seen pulling the corners of her eyes with the caption “kiinalaisenkaa syömäs.” This roughly translates to “eating with a Chinese person.” The image was initially shared on the anonymous German app, Jodel, by a friend without Dzafce’s prior knowledge.
Reactions and Official Statement
Following the post, the Miss Finland organization received substantial backlash. On Instagram, they stated, “The title of Miss Finland held by Sarah Dzafce has been revoked as of today. This decision is not about a person’s human worth but about responsibility.”
Officials emphasized their commitment to Finnish values, stating that the title represents respect, equality, and human dignity. “These values are the foundation of our entire work,” they added.
Response from Sarah Dzafce
Initially, Dzafce claimed her actions were misinterpreted, stating she was simply rubbing her temples due to a headache. However, she later apologized via Instagram before her title was officially revoked. “I want to apologize, especially to those who have been personally affected by this situation,” she posted.
Impact on Miss Finland Organization
The organization expressed its sorrow for the incident, particularly regarding its impact on the Asian community. “The content published on the reigning Miss Finland’s social media has been offensive and completely against the values of the Miss Finland competition,” they asserted.
Successor Takes Over
Following Dzafce’s disqualification, Tara Lehtonen, who was the first runner-up in the pageant, has been crowned Miss Finland 2025. Lehtonen accepted the title during a press conference and expressed her dedication to the responsibilities that come with it.
- Name: Tara Lehtonen
- Title: Miss Finland 2025
- Event Date: Title crowned on December 11, 2025
She stated, “I promise to carry this title with pride and deep respect,” highlighting her commitment to fulfilling her duties with dignity.
Conclusion
This incident has highlighted the importance of accountability within the realm of beauty pageants. As social media becomes an increasingly influential platform, both participants and organizations must navigate its impacts carefully. The Miss Finland organization reaffirms its values through this decision, reinforcing the message that racism and insensitivity have no place in society.
