The images made her look like a “zombified” version of Angelina Jolie, which quickly went viral.
However, this online fame came with its fair share of backlash. While many were intrigued by her drastic look, others criticized her heavily.
In October 2019, the Iranian authorities arrested Sahar Tabar as part of a crackdown on social media influencers.
Iran, known for its strict moral and censorship laws, often targets individuals seen as promoting Western or non-Islamic values, as reported by Al Jazeera.
However, after serving 14 months, she was granted a conditional release, according to The Guardian.
Following her release, Sahar Tabar appeared on a state-run television channel, Rokna, showing her true face for the first time.
One person commented, “It’s amazing how many people put so much thought into what other people are doing to be comfortable in their own skin. Maybe if bad-mouthing and judging others wasn’t so common, fewer people would feel the need to alter their appearance.”
For a long time, there was widespread speculation that Tabar’s disturbing Instagram look was due to botched plastic surgery.
But Sahar was quick to set the record straight. She clarified that most of the appearance was a result of makeup and Photoshop.
“Cyberspace was an easy way. It was much easier than becoming an actor.”
Despite the exaggerated images, Sahar stressed that fans were aware it wasn’t her real face.
Speaking to a Russian news outlet, Sputnik, she said that her Instagram posts were just for fun and that she never intended to seriously look like Angelina Jolie.
“Over time I post a photo, I make my face more fun and funny, it is a form of self-expression, a kind of art.”
However, the drama surrounding her online persona didn’t stop there.
In 2019, her Instagram profile was deleted, likely in response to the rising scrutiny from Iranian authorities.
She also acknowledged that her posts, which she called “vulgarity,” had ultimately made her famous.
