The social media sensation famously dubbed the “zombie” Angelina Jolie lookalike has shocked the world by revealing her natural face after serving time in prison. Sahar Tabar, whose real name is Fatemah Khishvand, became a viral phenomenon in 2017 for her grotesque, zombified take on the Hollywood star. Her eerie Instagram photos drew global attention but ultimately led to her downfall.
Viral Fame and Its Consequences
Sahar Tabar gained prominence in 2017 after posting a series of surreal images online. Her exaggerated features and haunting resemblance to a decayed version of Angelina Jolie, achieved through a combination of makeup, photo editing, and possible cosmetic surgery, captivated millions.
Though her unique portrayal intrigued many, it also sparked a wave of criticism, with some accusing her of promoting unhealthy beauty standards. This newfound fame came at a cost. In October 2019, Iranian authorities arrested Tabar in a sweeping crackdown on social media influencers deemed to be violating cultural norms.
According to BBC News, she faced multiple charges, including blasphemy, inciting violence, and encouraging moral corruption among youth. Iranian media described her actions as emblematic of Westernization, which the country’s strict moral and censorship laws actively oppose.
A Harsh Sentence and Conditional Release
Tabar’s arrest led to her receiving a 10-year prison sentence in December 2020. However, after serving 14 months, she was granted a conditional release. Reports from The Guardian indicate her release stemmed from public outcry and pressure from human rights advocates. During her incarceration, her Instagram profile, which had been central to her rise to fame, was deleted.
The Shocking Reveal on National Television
Following her release, Tabar appeared on Iranian state-run media channel Rokna, where she revealed her true face to the world for the first time. The stark contrast between her Instagram persona and her natural appearance left many stunned.
Online reactions ranged from sympathy to criticism. One commenter noted:
“It’s heartbreaking that society pushes people to such extremes to feel accepted. Her case should have been treated with compassion, not punishment.”
Another remarked:
“It’s sad that someone went to such lengths for fame. Instead of imprisoning her, they should have addressed her mental health and body dysmorphia.”
The Reality Behind the Viral Persona
For years, many believed Tabar’s zombified look was the result of extreme plastic surgery gone wrong. However, she has since clarified that most of her appearance was achieved using makeup and Photoshop. In an interview, she explained:
“What you saw on Instagram was the result of computer effects I used to create an artistic image. It was much easier to gain attention online than to pursue acting.”
Although she denied undergoing extensive surgery to mimic Angelina Jolie’s look, she admitted to having undergone procedures like a nose job and lip fillers. Her altered online persona, she said, was a form of self-expression and amusement rather than an attempt to genuinely resemble the actress.
Reflections on Fame and Regret
During her Rokna interview, Tabar reflected on her actions and the impact they had on her life. She shared how her mother repeatedly urged her to stop pursuing the online persona, advice she regretfully ignored:
“Sometimes, the words of strangers carry more weight than those of a parent. Looking back, I see how misguided I was.”
She described her social media posts as “vulgarity” and admitted that her pursuit of fame through controversial means had come at a significant personal cost.
A Cautionary Tale
Tabar’s story serves as a stark reminder of the pressures of social media and the lengths some individuals go to achieve viral fame. Her decision to showcase her true self after years of hiding behind a heavily edited facade marks a new chapter in her life, one where she hopes to move past the mistakes of her past and redefine her identity.
