Sarah Dzafce has lost her title as Miss Finland following a controversial message she posted on social media that has some racial overtones, having recently represented Finland in the 2025 Miss Universe pageant. The disciplinary action was announced on Instagram by the Miss Finland Organization. This came after a series of postings appeared with a picture of Dzafce making a racist gesture.
“The title of Miss Finland, which is currently in possession of Sarah Dzafce, has been canceled from today onwards. This is in no way a matter of a human being’s dignity but of responsibility. In cases where a human being has a representative position, responsibility cannot be separated from actions,” the group stated.
Did Sarah Dzafce apologize?
In regard to the situation’s repercussions, before the revocation, a message of apology on Instagram, together with the Miss Finland Organization, came from Dzafce. On Monday, Dec. 8, she stated, “I do, of course, realize that my behavior has been the reason for ill will towards many people, which is what I apologize for. In particular, I would want to apologize to anyone who has been directly impacted by this situation, which has not been my goal in any way.”
She accepted the duties that come with the crown, admitting, “That means I now have the crown of Miss Finland, and with it, the responsibility of how I speak, how I behave, and how my behavior might affect people.”
In reflecting on her progress, she said, “First of all, I realize that I still have a lot to learn. Among the most essential things that matter to me is respect for people, respect for backgrounds, respect for differences. What matters is that people feel free to be themselves, to be treated with dignity.”
Sarah Dzafce ended her post with these words, “From now on, I want to demonstrate more by actions than by words what sort of Miss Finland I am. That is, a Miss Finland who brings people together, listens, and meets people with warmth.”
What happened with the Miss Finland Organization?
Throughout the week, the Miss Finland page has been grappling with the situation, apologizing for the incident, assuring that the pageant is against racism. On Wednesday, Dec. 10, they said, “The Miss Finland Organization has clearly stated that ‘We do not accept racism in any form.'”
The organization also organized a proper meeting with Dzafce, who wasn’t in Finland, to discuss what had happened and what to do next. This is because, as stated in the Thursday announcement, the leadership had been waiting for her return to consider the situation.
The group apologized to the harm caused, particularly to the Asian communities, as well as to all others who might be impacted, saying, “Racism is never acceptable in any form”
What did the CEO of Miss Finland say?
“It has caused significant disappointment both in Finland and internationally,” said Sunneva Sjögrén, the CEO of Miss Finland, in a statement to PEOPLE magazine. “Taking the title back has been a considered decision,” she added,
“The conditions for fulfillment of the obligations of the title of Miss Finland are no longer being met, and thus the crown is revoked. This is not in any way a determination respecting the worth of Sarah as a human being. This is a growth, learning experiences, still available, and we wish her the best.”
Sarah Dzafce is entitled to the therapeutic speaking support and media advice offered by the pageant until September 2026. She is also invited to attend all future events organized by the Miss Finland pageant.
The CEO stated that the role of the organization is to maintain dignity, fairness, and respect, irrespective of the environment that prevails: “Our job is to maintain dignity, fairness, and respect, irrespective of the environment that prevails.” Sjögrén further observed that this situation “highlights the importance of keeping a civilized tone in public discussions of identity, especially when young people find themselves unexpectedly in the limelight.”
Who is the new Miss Finland 2025?
Following the revoke of the title by Dzafce, Tara Lehtonen, who had emerged as a runner-up, is crowned Miss Finland 2025. In her speech, she said, “I will take this crown with pride and a deep sense of respect. Right from the onset, I have expressed that this is not only a title that I am taking, but a responsibility, a chance, and a sign of trust.”
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