Iran-born actor Elnaaz Norouzi has triggered a sharp online backlash after celebrating the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.–Israeli strikes.
According to multiple reports, Norouzi posted a series of Instagram Stories on Saturday, February 28, 2026, soon after news emerged that Khamenei had been killed. In one Story, she described it as “the most incredible news” and wrote that the moment had been awaited for “47 years,” adding that Khamenei was dead.
The larger context
Reuters reported that Khamenei was killed on Saturday, with Iranian state media announcing his death early Sunday, and Iran declaring a period of mourning amid rapid escalation in the region.
Who is Elnaaz Norouzi?
Norouzi, born in Tehran and later based in Germany, built a substantial part of her career in India, where she is known for Sacred Games and other projects.
Mixed reactions online
Her celebratory posts immediately divided audiences, with some supporters framing her reaction as a political statement against Iran’s leadership, while critics accused her of insensitivity for celebrating a death. Several entertainment outlets noted the posts spread rapidly across Instagram and X as the regional situation intensified.
Follow-up messages: call for compassion
After the initial celebratory reaction, Norouzi also shared messages emphasizing the humanitarian cost of the conflict, urging compassion for civilians and “innocent lives” affected by the violence, and calling for peace.
As the geopolitical fallout continues to unfold, Norouzi’s posts have become a flashpoint—highlighting how diaspora voices can reflect intensely personal political emotions, while also drawing scrutiny when those reactions play out publicly.
—By Manoj H