The newly crowned Miss Finland 2025, Sarah Dzafce, lost her title just weeks after winning. A storm erupted online after her old posts, which users considered racist, came to light.
Storm on social media
It all began with a series of posts from several years ago that resurfaced on Finnish social media. Archived screenshots showed Dzafce mockingly commenting on immigrants and ethnic minorities.
Although her managers tried to explain that these were „failed jokes from her younger days,” the internet did not forgive her. The hashtag #MissRacism dominated Finnish TikTok and Twitter (now X), generating thousands of comments within a few hours.
Official statement from the contest organizers
The organizers of the Miss Finland contest announced that the title is being revoked for „behavior contrary to the values represented by the contest.”
„We cannot promote a person whose past statements could have hurt other communities. The values of equality and respect are our priority,” the official statement said.
The new Miss Finland is the first runner-up from the September final, 23-year-old Tara Lehtonen, who officially took over the crown after Sarah Dzafce was stripped of her title.
Who is the new Miss Finland?
Tara Lehtonen comes from Finland, lives in the Helsinki area, and before the scandal was the face of several local fashion campaigns. In the Miss Suomi 2025 finals she initially placed second behind Sarah Dzafce, but in accordance with the rules she automatically took over the title after Dzafce’s dethronement.
The organizers of Miss Finland announced in a statement that, following the removal of the former Miss’s crown, the new title of Miss Finland 2025 / Miss Suomi 2025 goes to Tara Lehtonen. Tara herself confirmed this on social media, describing herself as „Miss Suomi 2025 – Miss Finland 2025” and thanking everyone for their trust while promising to „wear the title with pride and respect”.
Public reactions
Finnish media are divided in their assessments. Some commentators praise the organizers’ decision, arguing that a Miss’s image must be spotless in an age when every online statement is remembered.
Others, however, note that Dzafce has been „destroyed by the internet mob” and that the punishment is disproportionate to her wrongdoing. Some people believe the organizers caved under social media pressure instead of choosing the path of dialogue and education.
What next for the former Miss’s career?
Dzafce has announced that she intends to „understand the consequences of her words” and temporarily withdraw from public life. On Instagram she wrote that she „regrets past mistakes” and „would like to start afresh without hatred.”
