Sahar Tabar, the Iranian content creator who became infamous for her "Zombie Angelina Jolie" persona, has finally revealed her true face in a rare interview.
For years, many believed that the young influencer had undergone extreme cosmetic surgeries to achieve the gaunt, skeletal look she showcased on Instagram.
However, Tabar, whose real name is Fatemeh Khishvand, has now set the record straight, admitting that her haunting appearance was nothing more than the result of makeup and digital editing.
Tabar used Photoshop to alter her appearance. Credit: Instagram / sahartabar_official
Tabar explained that she used Photoshop and cosmetic techniques to create her viral persona, and said the extreme images were never meant to be taken seriously.
“What you saw on Instagram was the computer effects I used to create the image," she reportedly said, per Daily Mail.
She clarified that the images were a form of self-expression, rather than a serious attempt to deceive, and reflected on her pursuit of fame, saying: "Cyberspace was an easy way. It was much easier than becoming an actor."
A stint behind bars
Tabar's rise to fame came with significant consequences. In October 2019, the influencer was arrested by Iranian authorities, facing charges related to blasphemy, inciting violence, and "corruption of youth".
She was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2020 for her actions, though some charges were later dropped.
Amid growing international pressure and media coverage, Tabar was released after serving approximately 15 months of her sentence.
Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad confirmed Tabar's freedom online, writing: "Today the Iranian teenager who posted heavily distorted images of herself online was jailed for 10 years has been freed after massive media pressure."
Tabar's real appearance has come as a surprise. Credit: YouTube/Rokna
Revealing the real Tabar
Following her release, Tabar appeared in an interview with Iranian state-run media outlet Rokna, where viewers were stunned by her true appearance.
The contrast between her real face and the heavily edited images that made her famous left many surprised.
"Omg it was makeup thank god," one user said, while another commented: "Do not destroy your face," and a third said: "Is this the person who Photoshops her pictures to look like Zombie? Wtf, 2 different people."
Despite the shock, some users defended her, questioning why she was arrested in the first place: "Why would you arrest someone for plastic surgery or illusion makeup. Plastic surgery is a personal choice, and illusion makeup is a talent," one user wrote.
And one more chimed in: "It is a grand injustice that this 19 year old Iranian woman was sentenced for 10 yrs in prison for expressing her talents as an artist and an individual."
Since being freed, Tabar has expressed that she no longer plans to return to Instagram, saying she "would not even put Instagram on my phone anymore".
The combination of her time in prison and the controversy surrounding her presence online has caused her to reconsider her future on social media.