Miss Finland Sarah Dzafce was stripped of her title on Thursday, weeks after competing at the Miss Universe pageant over a racially charged social media post.
Dzafce, 22, posed for a photo pulling the corners of her eyes with the caption “kiinalaisenkaa syömäs,” which roughly translates to “eating with a Chinese person,” in a social media post from late November.
The troubling image was shared on the anonymous German app, Jodel, by a friend who allegedly made the caption without Dzafce’s knowledge, the Helsinki Times reported.
The beauty queen initially claimed that she was suffering a “severe headache” and was rubbing her temples.
Dzafce, who was crowned Miss Finland in September, faced backlash for the gesture towards the Asian community and was disqualified from holding the honor she was awarded four months earlier.
“The title of Miss Finland held by Sarah Dzafce has been revoked as of today,” the Miss Finland organization announced on Instagram Thursday.
“This decision is not about a person’s human worth, but about responsibility. When an individual carries a national and international representative role, actions and responsibility are inseparable.”
Officials revealed they waited for the disgraced beauty queen to return to the Nordic country after an international trip following the Miss Universe pageant to deliver their punishment.
“For over 90 years, this title has represented Finnish values such as respect, equality, responsibility, and human dignity,” Finnartist Oy, the owner of the Miss Finland beauty pageant, wrote. “These values are not mere words to us — they are the foundation of our entire work. The Miss Finland title is a position of trust, representing Finland and Finnish people to the world.
“The events of recent days have caused deep hurt, disappointment, and concern both in Finland and internationally — fully understandably. The content published on the reigning Miss Finland’s social media has been offensive, harmful, and completely against the values of the Miss Finland competition.
“We are deeply sorry for the harm these events have caused. Especially to the Asian community, but also to everyone affected. Racism is never acceptable in any form,” the statement said.
Dzafce competed in this year’s Miss Universe contest but didn’t place in the Top 30. She apologized for the post on her personal Instagram account on Monday — days before she lost her crown.
“I fully understand that my actions have caused ill will in many people and I am deeply sorry for that,” Dzafce wrote. “I want to apologize, especially to those who have been personally affected by this situation. That was not my intention in any way.
“The Miss Finland title is not just a crown for me, it is also a responsibility. I am responsible for how I speak, how I act, and how my actions can affect people. I know I still have a lot to grow,” she said. “I take responsibility for my actions and learn from them moving forward.”
Dzafce said she wanted to take the chance to improve herself and take better actions in the future as Miss Finland, before she was stripped of the title.
“On a personal note, I would like to say: We wish Sarah all the best in her future. A person can grow and learn — that is always possible,” Miss Finland National Director Sunneva Sjögren said. “The title of Miss Finland requires a high level of responsibility. In this situation, the conditions required to continue in this role were not met.”
Tara Lehtonen, 25, was crowned Miss Finland (Miss Soumi 2025) at a press conference alongside Dzafce on Thursday.
Lehtonen was the first runner-up in her country’s top beauty pageant, but won’t get to compete in next year’s Miss Universe contest.
“Today, I have accepted the title of Miss Finland 2025. I promise to carry this title with pride and deep respect. From the very beginning of my journey, I have said that this is not just a title for me, but a responsibility, an opportunity, and a sign of trust,” Lehtonen wrote on Instagram.
“This situation is completely exceptional, and the fact that my role as Miss Finland begins in the middle of the year makes this journey different from usual,” she said. “Even though the starting point is not traditional, I will do my best to turn it into an opportunity and to fulfill my duties well and with dignity.”
With Post wires
