Iranian model draws outrage for noose dress to raise awareness for Iran executions

An Iranian-born model, Mahlagha Jaberi, is dividing the internet after she wore a dress that resembled a noose to raise awareness for a string of executions in Iran.

Jaberi, who is 33-years-old, posted a video to her Instagram that she “[d]edicated to the people of Iran” after making an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. She shared the video with the hashtag, “#StopExecutionsInIran.”

Iran has executed multiple citizens by hangings in recent weeks, despite condemnations from the Biden administration and an admonition “not carry out these executions.”

The country has carried out at least 90 executions in the last 18 days, marking May as the “bloodiest month” in the nation over the last five years, according to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights group.

Jaberi’s video and outfit choice is going viral online, with journalists, political commentators and government officials either praising or blasting the model for her protest video.

Leftist journalist Yashar Ali criticized Jaberi for the video, which he called “disgraceful.”

“As innocent Iranians are being executed, @MahlaghaJaberi thought it would be a good idea to wear a dress that has a noose sown into it and then film a seductive video using a song that has become an anthem for protestors. Absolutely disgraceful all around. And then to end the video with ‘stop executions’ and no other context or information makes it unhelpful!”

Hudson Institute senior fellow Michael Doran said that Jaberi’s dress was an “eye catching” form of “protest.”

Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Anton Gerashchenko, wrote that Jaberi’s dress was a sign that she was “brave.” Others said they “stand” with her.

“More than 200 people were executed in Iran this year alone. Another brave woman. Maybe if women were the majority in politics, there would be no more wars? What do you think?”

Jaberi posted a statement to her Instagram account following the backlash with some clarity about her fashion choice.

“76th Cannes Film Festival 2nd look,” she wrote. “My dress designed by @jilaatelier. We wanted to make a fashion statement to observe the glamour of Cannes, but more importantly, to bring media attention to the wrongful executions of Iranian people. Unfortunately, political statements are not allowed at the film festival and the security stopped me from showing the back of my dress, but the ‘noose’ meaning was well understood.”