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Finland’s government is facing intense pressure from several Asian countries and accusations of racism after its representative at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant was seen pulling up the corners of her eyes in a photo – and some Finnish politicians posted photos of themselves repeating the gesture.
Sara Dazaffs lost her Miss Finland crown last week after a photo of Dazaffs pulling the skin at the corners of her eyes, posted on social media late last month, went viral. The photo and its caption read “Eating with a.” SugarIt was condemned as discrimination against Asians by the governments and commentators in Finland and across Asia.
Dazafse, who won the Miss Finland title in September, told Finnish media that she was trying to ease a headache. She said a friend had shared the private image and written the caption without her input, the Helsinki Times reported. Dzafce did not respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment Thursday.
Szafse apologized on social media on December 8 and said he never intended to hurt anyone.
“The title of Miss Finland is not just a crown for me, but also a responsibility. I have a responsibility for how I speak, how I act and how my actions can influence people,” she wrote in Finnish.
She added, “I take responsibility for my actions and will learn from it.”
A few days later, the Miss Finland Organization revoked her status as Miss Finland 2025 – known as Miss Suomi in Finnish.
“The events of recent days have caused deep hurt, disappointment and concern in Finland and internationally – completely understandable,” the organization wrote on social media. “We are deeply sorry for the harm these incidents have caused. Particularly to the Asian community, but also to all those affected. Racism in any form is not acceptable.”
The controversy escalated when several far-right Finnish politicians united around Dajafs after he lost his crown. Members of parliament, who are part of the ruling coalition, posted photos of themselves pulling the skin around their eyes.
Outrage spreads across Asia, inspiring Finnish Prime Minister Petteri will apologize to many countries including Orpo Japan and South Korea, by posting statements in their own languages on the Finnish embassy’s social media accounts.
“These posts do not reflect Finland’s values of equality and inclusion,” Orpo’s statement said. “Racism and discrimination have no place in Finnish society. Our message to all our friends in Finland and abroad is that Government Takes racism seriously and is committed to tackling the issue. Finland always aims to improve. It is the responsibility of politicians to be an example in this regard.”
The Japanese government has contacted the Finnish Embassy in Tokyo to express its concerns.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, the government’s top spokesman, said Japan hoped to maintain close communications with Helsinki.
“I understand that the Finnish Prime Minister has recently issued a statement expressing his deep apology for the offensive posts made on social media by some MPs,” Kihara said. “As for the Japanese government, we have conveyed our concern about the matter and our expectations for an appropriate response through the local embassy.”
Finland is a major tourist destination for tourists from Asia, and some users on the social platform X have called for a boycott of travel to Finland and Finnair, the country’s largest airline.
The scandal has hurt the company’s international operations, the airline’s senior vice president of communications Pavitt Talqvist told Finnish broadcaster Yle, without giving details.