{"id":69826,"date":"2025-12-13T15:47:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T15:47:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/69826\/"},"modified":"2025-12-13T15:47:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T15:47:12","slug":"miss-finland-sarah-dzafce-stripped-of-title-over-racist-social-media-post-after-miss-universe-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/69826\/","title":{"rendered":"Miss Finland Sarah Dzafce stripped of title over racist social media post after Miss Universe competition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Miss Finland Sarah Dzafce was stripped of her title on Thursday, weeks after competing at the Miss Universe pageant <\/a>over a racially charged social media post.<\/p>\n

Dzafce, 22, posed for a photo pulling the corners of her eyes with the caption \u201ckiinalaisenkaa sy\u00f6m\u00e4s,\u201d which roughly translates to \u201ceating with a Chinese person,\u201d in a social media post from late November.<\/p>\n

The troubling image was shared on the anonymous German app, Jodel, by a friend who allegedly made the caption without Dzafce\u2019s knowledge, the Helsinki Times reported.<\/a><\/p>\n

The beauty queen initially claimed that she was suffering a \u201csevere headache\u201d and was rubbing her temples.<\/p>\n

Miss Finland 2025 Sarah Dzafce showcases her evening gown during the Miss Universe Preliminary competition in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 19, 2025. Getty Images<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe title of Miss Finland held by Sarah Dzafce has been revoked as of today,\u201d the Miss Finland organization announced on Instagram Thursday.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThis decision is not about a person\u2019s human worth, but about responsibility. When an individual carries a national and international representative role, actions and responsibility are inseparable.\u201d<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\u201cFor over 90 years, this title has represented Finnish values such as respect, equality, responsibility, and human dignity,\u201d Finnartist Oy, the owner of the Miss Finland beauty pageant, wrote. \u201cThese values are not mere words to us \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe events of recent days have caused deep hurt, disappointment, and concern both in Finland and internationally \u2014 fully understandably. The content published on the reigning Miss Finland\u2019s social media has been offensive, harmful, and completely against the values of the Miss Finland competition.<\/p>\n

Miss Finland 2025 Sarah Dzafce competes in the swimsuit round at the 74th Miss Universe preliminary competition on Nov. 19, 2025. RUNGROJ YONGRIT\/EPA\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n

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 crowned four months earlier. Sarah Dzafce\/Instagram<\/p>\n

Sarah Dzafce wears her \u201cMiss Universe Finland\u201d sash before the Miss Universe competition. Sarah Dzafce\/Instagram<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n

Dzafce competed in this year\u2019s Miss Universe contest but didn\u2019t place in the Top 30. She apologized for the post on her personal Instagram account on Monday \u2014 days before she lost her crown.<\/p>\n

\u201cI fully understand that my actions have caused ill will in many people and I am deeply sorry for that,\u201d Dzafce wrote.<\/a> \u201cI want to apologize, especially to those who have been personally affected by this situation. That was not my intention in any way.<\/p>\n

Former Miss Finland Sarah Dzafce addresses the media at a press conference in Helsinki on Dec. 11, 2025. AP<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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,\u201d she said. \u201cI take responsibility for my actions and learn from them moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn a personal note, I would like to say: We wish Sarah all the best in her future. A person can grow and learn \u2014 that is always possible,\u201d Miss Finland National Director Sunneva Sj\u00f6gren said. \u201cThe title of Miss Finland requires a high level of responsibility. In this situation, the conditions required to continue in this role were not met.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miss Finland Tara Lehtonen stands next to former Miss Finland Sarah Dzafce after being crowned the title during a press conference in Helsinki. AP<\/p>\n

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. AP<\/p>\n

Tara Lehtonen, 25, was crowned Miss Finland (Miss Soumi 2025) at a press conference alongside Dzafce on Thursday.<\/p>\n

Lehtonen was the first runner-up in her country\u2019s top beauty pageant, but won\u2019t get to compete in next year\u2019s Miss Universe contest.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday, 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,\u201d Lehtonen wrote on Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis 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,\u201d she said. \u201cEven 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Post wires<\/p>\n

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