Sarah Dzafce, who was crowned Miss Finland in September 2025, has been stripped of her title just three months later after a photo surfaced showing a gesture widely condemned as mocking Asian features. The Miss Finland Organisation announced the decision on December 12, citing a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination.
The controversy has triggered debate across social media and reignited conversations around accountability, cultural sensitivity and public conduct by titleholders.
Photo sparks backlash
The image, shared on the anonymous social media platform Jodel, showed Dzafce pulling her eyes sideways with her fingers, accompanied by Finnish text reading “kiinalaisenkaa syömäs”, loosely translating to “eating with a Chinese person”.
The gesture has long been criticised as an anti-Asian racial caricature, and the post quickly drew widespread condemnation online, particularly from Asian communities and anti-racism advocates.
Organisation acts swiftly
At a press conference in Helsinki, the Miss Finland Organisation confirmed that Dzafce would no longer hold the title. In a statement, organisers said the content was “offensive, harmful, and completely against the values” of the competition.
“Our platform stands for respect, equality and human dignity. Racism or discrimination of any form will not be tolerated,” the organisation said, issuing an apology especially to the Asian community.
The organisers stressed that the decision reflected the responsibility that comes with representing the country on national and international platforms.
Runner-up named new Miss Finland
Following the revocation, runner-up Tara Lehtonen from Helsinki was immediately named the new Miss Finland. Taking to social media, Lehtonen said she accepted the title with “pride and deep respect”, pledging to uphold the values of inclusivity and responsibility associated with the crown.
Her swift appointment underlined the organisation’s firm stance and intent to move forward without delay.
Dzafce responds with apology
Dzafce initially defended herself by claiming the gesture was taken out of context, saying she was massaging her temples due to a severe headache. However, as criticism intensified, she issued a public apology.
In her statement, she acknowledged that the image caused hurt and distress, particularly to those affected by racist stereotypes. She said she was sorry for the harm caused and accepted the consequences of her actions.
Wider conversation on representation
The incident has highlighted how quickly public figures can be held accountable in the age of social media, especially for actions seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes. It also reflects growing global intolerance towards casual or “joke” racism.