Miss Finland Sarah Dzafce Racism Controversy

Sarah Dzafce, Finland's delegate to the Miss Universe pageant, was stripped of her Miss Finland title after posting a photo with a racist slanted-eyes gesture and a derogatory caption. The incident sparked widespread outrage in East Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, and led to calls for a boycott of Finland and its national airline, Finnair. Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo condemned the gesture as 'thoughtless and stupid' and 'damaging' to the country. Further controversy arose when two right-wing MPs, Juho Eerola and Kaisa Garedew, mimicked the gesture in support of Sarah Dzafce, leading to their party, the Finland — Finns Party, considering sanctions. Finnair issued a statement to distance itself from the incident and reaffirm its commitment to diversity. The event has highlighted ongoing issues of racism in Finland and prompted a petition for an investigation into anti-Asian discrimination.