Miss Finland Loses Title After Racist Gesture Sparks International Backlash- Finland’s representative at last month’s Miss Universe pageant in Thailand has been stripped of her national title following widespread criticism over a photograph she shared on social media that showed her performing a gesture widely considered racist.
Sarah Dzafce, who competed in the global beauty contest as Miss Finland, posted an image in which she appeared to pull the corners of her eyes into a slanted shape — a gesture long regarded as offensive toward East Asians, particularly people of Chinese descent. The image quickly circulated online, triggering outrage across East Asia and prompting calls for accountability.
The backlash extended beyond criticism of Ms Dzafce herself, with commentators and social media users questioning Finland’s national image and cultural sensitivity. Many described the gesture as an outdated racial stereotype and said it was especially inappropriate given that the Miss Universe pageant was hosted in Thailand, an Asian country.
Human rights advocates and anti-racism campaigners condemned the act, arguing that public figures representing their countries on international stages have a responsibility to demonstrate cultural awareness and respect. Several commentators noted that such gestures have historically been used to mock East Asian facial features and have been widely recognized as racist for decades.
In response to the controversy, the Miss Finland organization announced that Ms Dzafce had been stripped of her title. While the organization did not initially comment in detail on the decision, it emphasized its commitment to inclusivity, respect, and the values expected of those representing Finland internationally.
The incident has reignited broader discussions about racism, cultural ignorance, and accountability in global pageantry and entertainment. Critics argue that beauty contests, which promote international goodwill and cultural exchange, must hold participants to higher standards of conduct — particularly in the age of social media, where actions can have immediate global consequences.
The controversy also underscores the growing sensitivity around racial stereotypes and the increasing willingness of international audiences to call out behavior they view as discriminatory. As public reaction continues, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural respect in an interconnected world.
