It's not uncommon for people to edit their photos, and this woman did it so much that she was dubbed the 'Zombie Angelina Jolie'.
Sahar Tabar went viral seven years ago after posting photos of herself online where she could only be described as a looking like a fictional character or, as per her nickname, a zombie-like version of Jolie.
It probably came as no surprise to some that it was later revealed that Sahar's snaps were heavily edited.
Russian news outlet Sputnik at the time of her viral stardom, Sahar said she edited the photos so outlandishly to 'amuse' herself.
Advert
Sahar also said the unusual edits were 'a form of self-expression'.
She'd previously claimed to have had over 50 procedures, The Independent reported, but this was revealed to be untrue.
Instead, Sahar's believed to have only had rhinoplasty, liposuction, and injectable fillers in her lips.
Advert
With her revelations in mind, many have wondered what Sahar actually looks like - which was revealed after she was released from prison.
Sahar was arrested by Iranian authorities in October 2019 in a move by law officials to crack down on social media influencers.
She was later charged with blasphemy, inciting violence, gaining income through inappropriate means, and encouraging youth corruption.
In December 2020 she was sentenced to 10 years behind bars, but the young woman served just 14 months.
Advert
Around the time she was freed was when widespread protests in Iran were taking place following the death of Mahsa Amini.
The young woman died in police custody after being arrested for not wearing her hijab properly.
Upon her release, Sahar made an appearance on state-owned channel Rokna - and many were left shocked over her real appearance.
Advert
In the photo, Sahar looked nothing like the skeletal and unnerving viral photos she shared back in 2017.
Discussing her real appearance, one person wrote on social media: "It’s amazing how many people put so much thought into what other people are doing to be comfortable in their own skin."
A second wrote: "Wow! It’s so sad what lengths people would go to for fame…"
Advert
Apparently Sahar had always wanted to be famous, and aspired to be in the spotlight since she was a child.
She also admitted to using make-up and editing her pictures with Photoshop to grow her Instagram following.
"Cyberspace was an easy way," she said of how easily she managed to get her name out in the world.
"It was much easier than becoming an actor."
Topics: Social Media, Iran, Life
Niamh Shackleton