Finland’s government is under intense scrutiny and facing allegations of racism from multiple Asian nations following an incident involving its representative at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant. The controversy erupted when a photo surfaced showing Sarah Dzafce, the former Miss Finland, pulling the corners of her eyes, accompanied by a caption that sparked outrage for its perceived discriminatory nature towards Asian individuals.
Dzafce, who was dethroned after the photo went viral, explained to Finnish media that she was simply trying to relieve a headache and that the accompanying caption was added by a friend without her consent. Despite her apology on social media, stating her lack of intention to cause harm, she faced repercussions, with the Miss Finland Organization stripping her of the Miss Finland 2025 title.
The situation escalated further when far-right Finnish politicians publicly supported Dzafce by emulating the gesture in solidarity, triggering widespread condemnation. The controversy reverberated across Asia, prompting Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to issue apologies to affected countries like Japan and South Korea, emphasizing Finland’s commitment to combating racism and promoting inclusivity.
The fallout has led to calls for a travel boycott to Finland, with Japan expressing concerns to the Finnish embassy in Tokyo. As a popular tourist destination for Asian travelers, Finland’s tourism sector, including Finnair, has been impacted by the scandal, as some individuals advocate for avoiding travel to the country. Finnair’s senior vice-president of communications acknowledged the repercussions on the airline’s international operations without providing specific details.