Sarah Dzafce, Finland’s representative to the 2025 Miss Universe pageant, is facing heavy criticism. A photo of her went viral showing her pulling the corners of her eyes. Many called the gesture racist.

The photo appeared on social media last month. It was captioned “eating with a Chinese.” Governments and commentators in Finland and across Asia condemned it as discriminatory.

Dzafce, who won Miss Finland in September, said she was trying to relieve a headache. She told Finnish media that a friend shared the private photo online. The friend also added the caption without her permission.

Dzafce later issued a public apology on social media. “It was never my intention to hurt anyone,” she said. She added, “The Miss Finland title is not just a crown for me, but also a responsibility. A responsibility for how I speak, how I act, and how my actions can affect people.”

Following the backlash, the Miss Finland Organization revoked her crown. She is no longer Miss Finland 2025, locally known as Miss Suomi.

The incident has sparked debate about cultural sensitivity. Many say public figures must be careful about their actions. The role of social media in spreading private images has also come under scrutiny.

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