Finland’s representative at last month’s Miss Universe pageant in Thailand has been stripped of her crown after a viral photo sparked an international racism controversy.

Sarah Dzafce, 22, uploaded an image showing her pulling the corners of her eyes, accompanied by the caption “eating with a Chinese”. The gesture is widely regarded as offensive to East Asians and prompted strong backlash in Japan, South Korea and China.

The fallout extended beyond the beauty queen, with criticism also directed at Finland and its national airline, Finnair. The controversy has since drawn condemnation from Finland’s political leadership.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Monday that making such gestures was “thoughtless and stupid” and described the episode as “damaging” to the country.

Ms Dzafce claimed the gesture was a reaction to a headache during dinner and said the offensive caption was added by a friend without her consent, according to Finnish tabloid Ilta-Sanomat.

She later issued an apology on Instagram, saying the post had “caused ill will in many people”.

“That was not my intention in any way… One of the most important things for me is respect for people, their backgrounds and differences,” she wrote.

The apology itself drew criticism, with some commenters calling it insincere because it was written in Finnish.

“Not sure Chinese outside of Finland would understand it. Such considerate and sincere apology,” one commenter wrote.

Another said: “That was uncalled for, Asian people didn’t do anything to you… We [are] still disappointed in you.”

The controversy deepened after two right-wing Finnish MPs, Juho Eerola and Kaisa Garedew, posted photos mimicking the gesture in apparent support of Ms Dzafce. Both posts were later deleted. Eerola apologised, saying the former beauty queen had received “disproportionately harsh punishment”.

Prime Minister Orpo criticised the lawmakers’ actions as “childish” and said MPs should set an example of proper conduct. The Finns Party is reportedly considering whether disciplinary action is warranted.

Finnair confirmed the backlash had affected the airline, including calls for tourists to boycott Finland.

“The statements or posts mentioned by some Finnish members of parliament do not represent the values of Finnair,” the airline said on its Japanese X account.

“As an airline supported by employees from diverse backgrounds and customers around the world, we promise to welcome everyone with respect.”

The issue has also reignited debate over racism in Finland. A Japanese resident launched a petition calling for an investigation into anti-Asian discrimination, which had gathered more than 7,000 signatures by Sunday, according to Asahi Shimbun.

Finland’s embassy in Japan said it had received “numerous opinions and questions” on the country’s efforts to tackle racism, acknowledging that “racism remains a challenge in Finnish society, and its resolution requires continuous and resolute efforts”.

The Miss Finland Organisation said removing Ms Dzafce’s title was a “difficult but necessary” decision.

“Miss Finland holds a position of role-model status, which requires respecting all people regardless of their origin, background, or appearance,” it said.

“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.” (Arise News)

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