A Ukrainian-born woman who won the title of Miss Japan has relinquished her crown following reports she had an affair with a married man.

Karolina Shiino won the beauty pageant just two weeks ago, sparking a public debate in Japan over her heritage.

Opinion was divided in the country with some welcoming her coronation as a symbol of diversity, while others accused the competition of favouring “Western beauty standards”.

In the midst of the controversy Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun published an article accusing her of an affair with a married influencer and doctor.

The man in question has not yet publicly commented on the allegations.

Miss Japan Association, in its initial response to the report last week, defended Ms Shiino, saying she had been unaware the man was married.

However, on Monday, the pageant organisers said she had confessed to knowing about the man’s marital status and apologised for misleading the organisation.

She then resigned her crown.

Ms Shiino also apologised to her fans and the public in a statement, saying her actions had been motivated by fear and panic in response to the report.

“I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me,” she said.

The title of Miss Japan will now remain vacant for a year until the next competition.

Ms Shiino won the pageant on 22 January – the first person of European ancestry to take the crown.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

She was born in Ukraine before moving with her mother to Japan when she was five and taking on her Japanese stepfather’s last name.

She is fluent in both spoken and written Japanese and became a naturalised citizen in 2022.

Related posts:

Toddler tablet and phone use linked to behavioural and social problems ‘An outrageous attack’: Anti-Semitic graffiti found at Auschwitz site At least 14 dead after mudslide hits Colombian town ‘I prayed not to be killed’: sled driver recalls hour-long attack as moose trampled dogs Kyiv suburbs under attack as Zelenskyy warns of Russia attack on NATO ‘homes’ after strike near Polish border Fight between former Spanish king Juan Carlos and ex-lover goes to appeal judges Suspect killed and six police officers injured in house explosion during arrest – reports Teenager carves his own name into pillar at 8th-century temple in Japan Olympic champion Caster Semenya wins human rights court appeal over athletics testosterone rules Imran Khan’s plea for suspension of conviction is rejected At least 20 killed at school being used as shelter in Gaza, UN says Fury as COP28 head questions ‘science’ of cutting fossil fuels