The Ukraine-born winner of the Miss Japan contest has given up her title, following a report by a tabloid that she had an affair with a married man, BBC News reported.

“I am truly sorry for the huge trouble I have caused and for betraying those who supported me,” Karolina Shiino said in a statement as she apologised to her fans and the general public.

She had apologised for being misleading and organisers had accepted her title resignation, the Miss Japan Association said. The Miss Japan title will now remain vacant for the rest of the year.

Shiino, 26, won the 2024 Miss Japan Grand Prix last month but her victory sparked public debate due to her heritage.

Although, some welcomed the development but others didn’t accept in view of the traditional Japanese beauty ideals.

Amidst this, a local magazine revealed her alleged affair.

Shiino had engaged in a relationship with a married influencer and doctor, rhe Shukan Bunshun reported. The man has not provided any public comment.

The pageant organisers defended the winner in their statement last week. They stated that she was not aware of the fact that the man was married.

But organisers said on Monday she had confessed to knowing about the man’s marriage and family.