Sahar Tabar, whose real name is Fatemeh Khishvand, is a young woman from Iran who gained international attention for her dramatic transformation and social media presence. Known as “Iran’s Zombie Angelina Jolie,” Tabar became famous for heavily edited photos and numerous plastic surgeries, sparking widespread controversy and online debate. While her story brought her fame, it also led to legal trouble, culminating in a 10-year prison sentence.
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| Image credit: twitter |
The Controversial Transformation
At just 19 years old, Tabar underwent over 50 cosmetic surgeries, including liposuction and nose reshaping, to achieve a distinctive appearance. Although she never publicly claimed to be mimicking Angelina Jolie, her social media followers drew comparisons to the Hollywood actress. Her extreme features—sharp cheekbones, angular lips, and a dramatically altered nose—made headlines worldwide. However, questions arose about the authenticity of her look, with many speculating that her photos were digitally manipulated rather than reflecting real surgical outcomes.
Tabar's Instagram account, @sahartabar_official, amassed nearly four million followers at its peak. She frequently shared images of her "zombie-like" visage, captivating and shocking audiences in equal measure. Despite her viral success, Tabar revealed in a later interview that her online persona was more about self-expression and art than an attempt to resemble Jolie. "Every time I publish a photo, I paint my face in an increasingly funny way. It’s a form of art and self-expression," she explained. "My fans know this is not my real face."
Legal Troubles and Harsh Sentencing
In October 2019, Tabar was arrested on charges related to her social media activity, which authorities deemed “blasphemous.” Additional allegations included illegally acquiring property, inciting violence, corrupting young people, and violating Iran’s strict dress code for women. She was sentenced to 10 years in Qarchak Prison, known as one of the harshest facilities for women in Iran.
Tabar’s arrest and imprisonment drew criticism from human rights activists. Iranian activist Masih Alinejad publicly called on Angelina Jolie to intervene, stating, “Sahar Tabar is only 19. Her joke landed her in jail. Her mother cries every day to get her innocent daughter freed. Dear Angelina Jolie, we need your voice here. Help us.”
The Truth Behind the Persona
In an interview with Sputnik, Tabar clarified the misconceptions surrounding her appearance. “I never intended to look like Angelina Jolie or the Corpse Bride,” she said. “Now I understand the comparisons, but my intention was to create something unique and artistic.”
Tabar’s fame, however, came at a personal cost. Her mother disapproved of her online activities, and Tabar admitted she pursued fame through social media as an accessible alternative to a career in acting. “Cyberspace was an easy way to become famous,” she shared.
Release and Ongoing Struggles
After serving 14 months in prison, Tabar was released, reportedly due to mounting public outcry following the death of Mahsa Amini. Amini's death, caused by police brutality over improper hijab wearing, reignited global discussions about women’s rights in Iran and may have influenced Tabar’s early release.
While free, Tabar’s case remains a symbol of the tension between personal expression and the strict social codes enforced in her home country. Her story highlights the challenges faced by young women in Iran who dare to defy societal norms, even in seemingly innocuous ways.
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