Finland PM Issues Apology Following Racism Controversy Involving Beauty Queen

Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo issued an apology to Asian nations on March 15, 2024, in response to a growing controversy involving racist images shared by members of his government’s coalition. This situation erupted after former Miss Finland winner Sarah Dzafce, 22, was stripped of her title due to a social media post in which she appeared to pull back her eyes, captioned “eating with a Chinese person.”

The incident drew widespread condemnation after members of the Finns Party, a right-wing populist movement, shared similar images in solidarity with Dzafce. In a statement disseminated through Finnish embassies in China, Japan, and South Korea, Orpo emphasized that “these posts do not reflect Finland’s values of equality and inclusion.” He reiterated that the government is committed to addressing racism and fostering a more inclusive society.

Dzafce, who is not of Asian heritage, publicly apologized for her actions. “I take responsibility for my actions and learn from this,” she wrote on Instagram shortly before the Miss Finland organization revoked her title. The organization condemned her actions, stating that the content she shared was “offensive, harmful, and completely against the values of the Miss Finland competition.”

The statement further expressed regret, highlighting the distress caused to the Asian community and others affected, asserting that “racism is never acceptable in any form.” As the fallout continued, Juho Eerola, one of the MPs who replicated Dzafce’s post, acknowledged his error and issued an apology, although he refrained from further comment. Other members, including Kaisa Garedew and Sebastian Tynkkynen, also faced repercussions, with their party reprimanding them for sharing derogatory images.

Finns Party leader Jani Mäkelä stated that the party discussed the issue thoroughly and concluded that such images should not have been made public. He confirmed that the MPs involved received serious warnings and assurances were made that similar incidents would be avoided in the future.

This incident is not the first challenge faced by Orpo’s government, which encountered a no-confidence vote shortly after taking office in 2023 over racist remarks made by several cabinet members affiliated with the Finns Party.

The ongoing controversy has parallels to broader issues surrounding the Miss Universe contest held in Thailand earlier this year. The event has been marred by allegations of rigging and walkouts, including one by Miss Mexico and several contestants during a ceremony in November, after derogatory comments were made by a pageant executive.

In November, a Thai court also issued an arrest warrant for a co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization related to a fraud case, further complicating the pageant’s standing.

The repercussions of these incidents underline the urgent need for dialogue on racism and inclusivity within Finland and beyond, as leaders and organizations navigate the complexities of representation and accountability in today’s society.