Ukraine-Born Model Who Won Ms Japan Resigns After Tabloids Reveal Affair With Married Man
The man has yet to comment publicly.
By Laila Zain — 07 Feb 2024, 11:06 AM
Ukraine-born model, Karolina Shiino, has given back her Miss Japan crown following published reports that she had an affair with a married man
Shiino, who caused controversy when she won the prestigious title of Miss Japan just two weeks ago, has decided to relinquish her crown after a local tabloid, Shukan Bunshun, uncovered allegations of an extramarital affair, reports BBC News.
According to the report, Shiino was in a relationship with a married man who is an influencer and doctor
When the news first broke last week, pageant organisers defended Shiino, claiming that she did not know he was married. However, on Monday, organisers revealed that Shiino later confessed that she knew about the man's marital status, yet pursued the relationship.
The man has yet to comment publicly.
The Miss Japan Association has accepted Shiino's resignation
On Monday, Shiino made a statement, apologising to the beauty pageant organisation, her fans, and the general public.
"I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me," she said, adding that she had lied about the affair out of fear and panic.
According to South China Morning Post, the Miss Japan title will remain vacant for the rest of the year.
Shiino made world headlines when she became the first person of European descent to win the Miss Japan crown on 22 January
The 26-year-old was born in Ukraine, then moved to Japan with her mother at the age of five, taking on her Japanese stepfather's surname.
She is fluent in Japanese and became a naturalised citizen two years ago.
While some welcomed her crowning, others said she didn't represent Japanese beauty ideals.
