On Thursday, Sara Zahce, the current Miss Finland, lost her title following controversy over racist social media posts that surfaced weeks after her participation in the Miss Universe pageant.
In late November, Zahce shared a problematic photo where her eyes were pulled at the corners, with a caption that loosely translates to “dining with the Chinese.” A friend posted the image on an anonymous app, claiming they crafted the caption without Zahce’s knowledge.
The Helsinki Times reported on the uproar stemming from this post. Initially, the beauty queen downplayed the situation, citing a “bad headache” as she rubbed her temples.
Having been crowned Miss Finland just four months earlier, Zahce faced significant backlash for her remarks regarding the Asian community. The Miss Finland organization officially confirmed the revocation of her title on Instagram.
They stated, “This decision isn’t about individual worth, but rather about accountability. Those stepping into representative roles, both nationally and internationally, must understand that their actions carry weight.”
Miss Finland representatives noted they were awaiting Zahce’s return from a trip abroad before her consequences would be enacted.
For over 90 years, the title has embodied Finnish values like respect, equality, and human dignity, and the organizers emphasized that these principles are foundational to their mission.
“The recent events have incited deep disappointment and concern both nationally and internationally,” a spokesperson said. “The content shared on social media is not just offensive—it’s fundamentally against our values.”
They also issued an apology, particularly to the Asian community, asserting that all forms of racism are intolerable. Although Zahce participated in the Miss Universe contest, she didn’t place in the top 30. Just days before her title was rescinded, she issued an apology via her Instagram, acknowledging that her actions had hurt many. She expressed intentions to improve and take responsibility for her conduct.
Zahce emphasized that the title wasn’t merely about the crown but came with responsibilities that she failed to uphold. She had aspirations to grow in her role as Miss Finland.
Sunneva Sjögren, the Miss Finland Representative Director, wished Zahce well but highlighted that her recent actions did not meet the standards required for the role.
In a press conference, Tara Lehtonen, who was the first runner-up, was announced as the new Miss Finland. She conveyed her commitment to take pride in her new title and the responsibilities it entails.
Lehtonen acknowledged the uniqueness of her journey, beginning mid-year, and expressed her dedication to fulfilling her duties with integrity.
