Sri Lanka, Feb. 6 -- Karolina Shiino, the Ukraine-born winner of last month's Miss Japan contest, has relinquished her title, the contest organizer said Monday, following a magazine report that she was having an affair with a married man.

The 26-year-old model who was born in Ukraine, but raised in Japan stirred up controversy after winning the title of Miss Japan 2024 last month. Many questioned how "Miss Japan" could be awarded to someone who is not of Japanese descent.

Amid the debate, Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine published a story about a relationship she was having with a married influencer and doctor named Takuma Maeda. The pageant organisers initially defended Ms. Shiino, saying she hadn't known the man was married. However, la...