A photograph has been circulating online, purportedly showing conservative activist Laura Loomer at a private birthday celebration for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah. The image suggests Loomer was a guest at this event.
However, this image is not genuine. It has been digitally altered, with Loomer’s likeness added to a photograph where she was not originally present. The original picture was taken at a dinner in Israel in April 2023, and the event depicted was not a birthday party. Reza Pahlavi was born on October 31, 1960.
The earliest identified version of the doctored image was posted by the X account @Parodyjeffx. This account’s profile explicitly states that its content is for “fictional commentary” and satire. Despite this disclaimer, the manipulated image spread to other platforms without any indication that it was fabricated.
A reverse image search reveals the original photograph was posted on X on April 19, 2023, with a caption stating, “Tonight in Israel the Israeli singer Kobi Peretz with Prince Reza Pahlavi.” This original image featured the same setting, food, flags, and clothing as the doctored version, but without Loomer. In the authentic photo, businessman Shefi Sasson was seated on the left, and Israeli singer Kobi Peretz was on the right, kissing Pahlavi. Loomer was superimposed over Sasson in the altered image.
Further evidence from the time confirms the context. Israeli entertainment journalist Itzik Ohana posted a video on April 18, 2023, showing Kobi Peretz performing for Pahlavi at the gathering. Shefi Sasson, who hosted the dinner, also shared photographs and videos from the event on Instagram.
Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 reported on April 19, 2023, that Pahlavi and his wife attended a small, private dinner at Sasson’s home during Pahlavi’s visit to Israel. The report indicated that Kobi Peretz performed for them and attributed the photographs from the event to “publicity material.” The authentic photograph clearly shows Sasson in the position occupied by Loomer in the altered version.
The Israeli government had announced Pahlavi’s visit in April 2023, detailing his itinerary which included meetings and attendance at events during his trip to Israel. Therefore, the gathering depicted in the photograph was connected to Pahlavi’s April 2023 visit to Israel, not a birthday celebration in June 2026. Additionally, Pahlavi’s official website confirms his birthdate is October 31, 1960, making the claim of a June birthday celebration inaccurate.
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