Zahra Amir Ebrahimi: Sex tape, not me!

Asian News International

Washington, November 24, 2006

Iranian actress Zahra Amir Ebrahimi has denied starring in a controversial new sex tape, terming it an act of vengeance on part of her ex-fiancé.

Since the leak of the video that allegedly shows Ebrahimi and her ex-fiancé, known as Mr. X, indulging in sexual acts, the former has been struggling to salvage her image and avoid criminal prosecution.

The sex tape has triggered a wave of fury across Iran, as intercourse between unmarried couples is considered to be illegal in Iranian society.

Ebrahimi said that she had seen the video, and claimed that the woman in it was not her.

"I watched the film after I heard about the fuss from colleagues and the girl in it is not me,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

"I admit there are similarities to the character I played in Narges. It is possible to use studio make-up to have a person look like me. I have some knowledge of montage techniques and I know you can create a new face by distorting the features of another person," she added.

The 25-year old actress buttressed her claim by saying that she was well-known for starring in religious and moral television programmes.

“According to the moral norms of Iranian society, it is very damaging for this film to be distributed under my name. If you look at my professional resume, you will see that I have taken part in mainly spiritual or religious films or programmes," she said.

Ebrahimi's unnamed ex-boyfriend is in police custody over the tape after he was extradited from Armenia. He faces a possible 10,800 dollars fine, and three years imprisonment.