Miss Finland 2025 stripped of her title after racist social media post
Sarah Dzafce was stripped of her Miss Universe Finland title following her racist social media post, the local organization announced.
The Miss Finland Organization revoked Dzafce’s Miss Finland title on Dec. 11, citing her social media post as "offensive, harmful, and completely against the values of the Miss Finland competition."
"The events of recent days have caused deep hurt, disappointment, and concern both in Finland and internationally—fully understandably," it wrote in its English caption.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Miss Suomi • Miss Finland 🇫🇮• Miss Universe Finland (@missfinlandofficial)
Dzafce reportedly did a racist gesture in a circulating photo, which is derogatory to the Asian community.
"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 organization added.
It added that they met with Dzafce in person to discuss the matter, and after a careful deliberation, they made a "difficult but necessary decision" of revoking her title.
"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," it stressed.
"Miss Finland holds a position of role-model status, which requires respecting all people regardless of their origin, background, or appearance," it added.
They wish Dzafce all the best in her future, recognizing that a person can always grow and learn.
The title has been handed over to Tara Lehtonen, who will now carry out the duties of Miss Finland.
This came a few days after Dzafce wrote a public apology on her Instagram post.
"I fully understand that my actions have caused ill will in many people and I am deeply sorry for that," she began in her statement on Monday, Dec. 8, as translated by PEOPLE Magazine. "I want to apologize especially to those who have been personally affected by this situation. That was not my intention in any way."
"I know that I still have a lot to grow. One of the most important things for me is respect for people, their backgrounds and differences. What matters to me is that everyone can be themselves and be treated with dignity," the now-former title holder said.
"In the future, I want to show more with actions than words what kind of Miss Finland I am," she concluded. "A Miss Finland that unites, listens and meets people warmly. I will learn from this and promise to grow."
Dzafce won the Miss Universe Finland title in September and represented the country in the international pageant on Nov. 21.
