Sahar Tabar, whose real name is Fatemeh Khishvand, is an Iranian social media personality who rose to global fame for her drastically altered appearance, which many compared to a distorted version of Hollywood star Angelina Jolie. Known widely as “Zombie Angelina Jolie,” her story is a startling mix of internet fame, public scrutiny, and harsh legal consequences. It sheds light on the power and pitfalls of viral fame in a society with strict cultural and legal boundaries.
At just 19 years old, Sahar became an internet sensation after posting photos of her eerie, exaggerated appearance. With hollowed-out cheekbones, exaggerated lips, and a dramatically reshaped nose, her look caught the attention of millions online. Reports claimed that she had undergone over 50 plastic surgeries to achieve this shocking appearance, including liposuction and multiple nose reshaping procedures. However, Sahar later clarified in interviews that her look was not entirely the result of surgeries. Instead, she relied heavily on digital photo editing, makeup techniques, and filters to craft her zombie-like appearance.
In an interview with the Russian media outlet Sputnik, Sahar said, “Every time I publish a photo, I paint my face in an increasingly funny way. It’s a way of expressing myself, a kind of art. My fans know this is not my real face.” Despite her admission, the internet had already cemented her image as the eerie “Zombie Angelina Jolie.” While Sahar never explicitly claimed she was trying to imitate Jolie, her fans and the media made the connection, and she played into the narrative.
At the peak of her online fame, Sahar’s Instagram account, @sahartabar_official, boasted nearly four million followers. Her shocking selfies and haunting expressions kept people intrigued, and she became a symbol of extreme beauty standards and the consequences of social media obsession. However, her rise to fame wasn’t without personal consequences. Her mother, in particular, strongly disapproved of her online persona and her provocative photos. Despite her mother’s objections, Sahar pressed on, determined to carve out her own space in the world of internet fame. “Cyberspace was an easy way to become known. It was much easier than becoming an actor,” she explained.
But her fame would eventually lead to severe consequences. In October 2019, Sahar was arrested by Iranian authorities on charges that included blasphemy, promoting violence, corrupting youth, acquiring wealth through inappropriate means, and violating the country’s strict dress code for women. These accusations painted her as more than just an internet celebrity—they framed her as a societal threat.
Sahar was sentenced to 10 years in prison, an unusually harsh punishment for what many viewed as simply provocative photos. To make matters worse, she was sent to Qarchak Prison, a facility infamous for its inhumane conditions and poor treatment of inmates. Known as one of the most notorious prisons for women in Iran, Qarchak became a living nightmare for the young social media star.
The global response to Sahar’s imprisonment was swift. Activists, including renowned Iranian journalist and women’s rights advocate Masih Alinejad, began rallying for her release. Alinejad took to social media, sharing Sahar’s story and calling for international intervention. In one post, she wrote, “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 campaign gained traction, drawing attention from global media outlets and human rights organizations. Many questioned the fairness of her imprisonment, arguing that her actions, while provocative, did not warrant such a severe punishment. The spotlight intensified following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian woman who died in police custody after being detained for allegedly wearing her hijab incorrectly. Amini’s death sparked widespread protests across Iran, putting immense pressure on the authorities to address human rights violations.
Amid growing international outrage and domestic protests, Sahar was quietly released from Qarchak Prison after serving 14 months of her 10-year sentence. Her release was seen by many as a symbolic gesture in response to the mounting pressure on the Iranian government.
Sahar’s story serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between internet fame and real-world consequences. Her journey highlights the dangers of online notoriety in a society with strict cultural norms and laws. What began as an attempt to express herself creatively turned into a cautionary tale about the unforgiving nature of viral fame and the serious repercussions that can follow.
In retrospect, Sahar’s photos were more than just provocative—they were a form of self-expression in a world where creative freedom is heavily restricted. Yet, her story also sheds light on the harsh realities faced by women in conservative societies, where personal choices can sometimes carry extreme consequences.
Today, Sahar remains largely out of the public eye, her social media accounts deleted, and her once-thriving online persona erased. Whether she will return to social media or choose a quieter life remains unknown. However, her experience has left an indelible mark on the global conversation about internet fame, personal freedom, and the power of social media to both elevate and destroy lives.
Sahar Tabar’s story isn’t just about a young woman with an unusual online presence—it’s about a society grappling with modern technology, cultural values, and the price of self-expression. Her journey from viral fame to imprisonment and eventual release will continue to spark conversations about justice, freedom, and the cost of living in the digital spotlight.
