Angelina Jolie’s ‘Zombie Lookalike’ Unmasked After Release From Jail

Sahar Tabar, born Fatemeh Khishvand, is a young woman from Iran who gained notoriety for undergoing numerous plastic surgeries. Contrary to popular belief, her transformation was not an attempt to look like Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie. Tabar’s extensive procedures, including liposuction and nose reshaping, sparked widespread controversy and debate online. Dubbed “Iran’s Zombie Angelina Jolie,” she was later sentenced to ten years in prison.

She was famously dubbed the “Zombie Angelina Jolie”

According to unverified reports, Tabar, who is 19 years old, underwent more than 50 surgeries in an attempt to transform her appearance. Although she may never have explicitly stated that she wanted to look like Angelina Jolie, her followers certainly believed so. She flaunted her look by posting heavily altered photos of herself on social media, showcasing gaunt cheekbones, sharp facial features, plumped and angular lips, and a drastically reshaped nose. However, it remains unclear how many of these surgeries were actually performed, as some suggest that many of her images may have been digitally edited or heavily retouched.

“Zombie Angelina Jolie” made quite a name for herself by sharing pictures of her unusual appearance on social media. At one point, Sahar’s Instagram account — @sahartabar_official — boasted nearly four million followers, though it has since been deleted. Despite her mother’s disapproval of both her social media presence and the shocking images she posted, Sahar was determined to gain fame. “Cyberspace was an easy way,” she explained. “It was much easier than becoming an actor.”

What you saw wasn’t really her real face

In an interview with the Russian website Sputnik, Sahar explained, “Every time I publish a photo, I paint my face in an increasingly funny way. It is a way of expressing myself, a kind of art. My fans know that this is not my real face.” She added, “I never thought about being like Jolie. Nor did I want to resemble the cartoon character, the Corpse Bride. Now I understand that I do resemble them somewhat, but I am a muse myself, and looking like someone else is not my goal.”

This revelation caused widespread confusion among her followers and anyone familiar with her story. In October 2019, the so-called Zombie Angelina Jolie was arrested over her controversial Instagram pictures. She faced multiple charges, including illegally purchasing property, inciting violence, negatively influencing youth, earning income through improper means, and violating Iran’s strict dress code for women. Sahar was sentenced to 10 years in prison—a harsh punishment for such a young woman. She was sent to Qarchak Prison, known as one of the harshest prisons for women in Iran.

Demand Grows for Angelina Jolie to Support Iranian “Zombie” Controversy

Iranian activist Masih Alinejad took to social media upon hearing about Sahar Tabar’s case. “Sahar Tabar is only 19. Her joke landed her in jail. Her mother cries every day, begging for her innocent daughter’s release. Dear Angelina Jolie, we need your voice here. Help us.”

Sahar was eventually released after serving 14 months in prison. This release came amid heightened international attention following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested and beaten by Iranian police for improperly wearing her hijab.