True to form, the government officials in Iran made first lady Michelle Obama cover up in its broadcast of the Academy Awards, going so far as to Photoshop
the glitzy silver gown that showed off her toned arms and chest as she presented the Best Picture Oscar on Sunday night.
Broadcasters at the Iranian state news agency Fars showed Obama wearing a similar dress, but with a higher neckline and sleeves to comply with the strict dress code for women. Obama's dress was designed by Naeem Khan, who has also designed dresses for Beyoncé and Brooke Shields.
Obama surprised viewers and attendees when she presented the award via a live feed from the White House Governors Ball. She previously wore Khan to the governor's dinner.
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The fashion makeover was first reported by the blog Persian Letters, the
New York Daily News reported.
Western-related images have been Photoshopped in the past to comply with the conservative culture of Muslim governments. Last October, Ikea apologized for removing pictures of women in its furniture catalog distributed in Saudi Arabia, according to CBS News.
The Iranian government also dismissed "Argo," Ben Affleck's film that won Best Picture at the Oscars, about the secret operation to extract six American diplomats out of Iran in 1979 and 1980. The film, which they claimed painted an unflattering picture of Iran after the Islamic Revolution, was merely an "advertisement for the CIA," according to officials.
Iran’s culture minister said the filmmakers “distorted history” in the production, MSNBC reported, and officials said it was “Zionist” of Warner Bros. Entertainment to produce the film.
The official news service did report the movie’s Oscar wins. It also said that because Obama introduced the film, the film was "politically motivated" and endorsed by the U.S. government, reported
The Sun, which also published a version of the altered photo.
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"Argo" was adapted from the book "The Master of Disguise" by CIA Operative Tony Mendez and is Ben Affleck's directorial smash. In addition to Best Picture, the film also won for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing, receiving seven nominations in total. Previously, Affleck directed "Gone Baby Gone" and "The Town," which were nominated for Academy Awards and Golden Globes but didn't win.
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