Sahar Tabar, widely known for her eerie resemblance to a distorted, ‘zombified’ version of Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, has finally shown the world her real face following her release from prison. The Iranian social media sensation, whose real name is Fatemah Khishvand, first gained viral fame in 2017 after sharing dramatically altered images of herself on Instagram. Her heavily edited and exaggerated appearance led many to believe she had undergone extreme plastic surgery to achieve her skeletal, gothic aesthetic.
While her striking images made her a social media phenomenon, they also sparked controversy and, ultimately, legal trouble. In October 2019, Iranian authorities arrested her as part of a broader crackdown on online influencers, citing accusations such as blasphemy, inciting violence, profiting through inappropriate means, and promoting youth corruption. Due to Iran’s strict moral regulations, which frequently target individuals deemed to be promoting Western values, she was sentenced to ten years in prison. However, after serving just 14 months, she was granted conditional release in December 2020.
Following her release, Tabar made a rare appearance on the Iranian state-owned news platform Rokna, where she displayed her natural face for the first time in years. The stark contrast between her true appearance and the grotesque, horror-like images she had previously shared left many viewers stunned. Some social media users expressed sympathy, acknowledging the pressures that drive individuals to modify their appearance online. One commenter remarked, “It’s astonishing how society’s judgment leads people to such extremes to feel comfortable in their own skin.” Another user added, “She didn’t deserve prison—what she needed was support for body image issues.”
For years, widespread speculation suggested that Tabar had undergone extensive plastic surgery, but she has now clarified that her disturbing Instagram persona was the result of makeup, Photoshop, and digital manipulation rather than medical procedures. She admitted to using editing techniques to amplify her features and create an unsettling illusion, explaining, “What you saw on Instagram was entirely digital effects. It was easier to create this image online than to pursue a career in acting.” However, she did acknowledge having undergone minor cosmetic enhancements, such as lip fillers and a nose job.
Reflecting on her social media journey, Tabar revealed that she had originally started modifying her images as a personal form of amusement. Speaking to Russian news outlet Sputnik, she said, “At first, it was just for fun. Over time, I exaggerated the edits more and more, but my intention was never to look like Angelina Jolie. People took it too seriously.” She further emphasized that her followers always knew that her appearance was heavily altered, adding, “I never claimed that was my real face.”
Tabar’s bizarre rise to fame and subsequent downfall highlight the darker side of social media, where online personas can spiral out of control. Before her arrest, her Instagram account, which has since been deleted, amassed thousands of followers fascinated by her eerie transformation. However, due to Iran’s ban on several major social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), her online presence was heavily restricted.
Since her release, she has spoken openly about the impact of her internet notoriety. During her interview with Rokna, she admitted that her mother had warned her against continuing down this path, but she ignored the advice. “My mother kept telling me to stop, but I didn’t listen,” she confessed. “Sometimes, the words of a friend or even a stranger hold more weight than those of your own parent.”
While she acknowledges that her shocking online persona brought her fame, she now refers to it as ‘vulgarity’ and appears to be distancing herself from her past digital self. Whether she will attempt to re-enter the public eye or fade into obscurity remains uncertain, but her story serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that can come with internet fame—especially in a society that closely monitors and restricts self-expression.
