Sahar Tabar, originally Fatemeh Khishvand, hails from Iran. She gained notoriety by undergoing multiple plastic surgeries in her quest to resemble Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie. Tabar’s extensive transformation, involving procedures like liposuction and nose reshaping, ignited widespread controversy and discussion online. Dubbed as “Iran’s Zombie Angelina Jolie,” she also received a ten-year prison sentence.
She bore a striking resemblance to Zombie Angelina Jolie. Reports indicate that Tabar, aged 19, underwent over 50 surgeries in a bid to transform her appearance. While she herself may not have explicitly expressed a desire to emulate the star Angelina Jolie, her followers certainly perceived it that way. Tabar proudly showcased her altered look on social media, featuring heavily modified features such as gaunt cheekbones, defined lips, and a drastically reshaped nose. However, the authenticity of these surgeries is disputed, with some suggesting that the images may have been heavily edited or digitally manipulated.
Zombie Angelina Jolie garnered significant attention by sharing photos of her unconventional appearance on social media platforms. At one point, Sahar’s Instagram boasted nearly four million followers under the handle @sahartabar_official, though the account has since been removed. Despite her mother’s disapproval of both her social media activity and the shocking imagery resembling Zombie Angelina Jolie, Sahar remained determined, driven by her desire for fame. “Cyberspace provided an easy path,” she remarked. “Much simpler than pursuing an acting career.”
It turns out that Sahar’s appearance is not her natural face. In an interview with the Russian website Sputnik, she explained, “Every time I post a photo, I enhance my face in a more humorous way. It’s a form of self-expression, a sort of art. My followers know this isn’t my real face.” She clarified, “I never intended to mimic Jolie or the Corpse Bride character. I realize there may be resemblances, but I see myself as a muse, not a copy of someone else.”
This revelation has caused significant confusion among her followers and those familiar with her story. In October 2019, Sahar, known as Zombie Angelina Jolie, was arrested for posting what were deemed blasphemous images on Instagram. Additionally, she faced accusations of illegal property acquisition, incitement to violence, negative influence on youth, unorthodox income sources, and violating the country’s strict dress code for women. She received a harsh sentence of 10 years in prison, a severe punishment for a young woman. Compounding matters, she was sent to Qarchak Prison, known as one of the harshest women’s prisons.
An activist, Masih Alinejad, has called on the real Angelina Jolie to intervene in the case of Zombie Angelina Jolie. Taking to social media, Alinejad posted, “Sahar Tabar is just 19. A joke has landed her in jail. Her mother cries daily for the release of her innocent daughter. Dear Angelina Jolie, your voice is needed here. Please help us.”
Following her arrest, Sahar was released from jail after serving 14 months. Allegedly, her release coincided with the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested and brutally beaten by Iranian police for wearing her hijab incorrectly.