American porn actor Whitney Wright, known for her support for Palestinians, visited Iran amid backlash against the repressive policies of the Islamic government
Whitney Wright visited Tehran during a time of tensions and nationwide protests in Iran, despite her online advocacy for Palestinians. Wright, an American citizen born in Oklahoma City, potentially faced criminal charges by exposing herself to Iran’s Islamic government, as her work in pornography could result in the death penalty under Iran’s laws. While in Iran, Wright documented her travels and visit to the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran, despite backlash for her visit in light of the country’s crackdown on women since the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. The situation drew attention to the country’s hard-line policies and contradictions in allowing a figure from the U.S. adult film industry to enter Iran for tourism while punishing women in Iran for the removal of their hijabs. The visit also caused criticism from U.S.-based activist Masih Alinejad for her appearance in Iran, with Alinejad stating, “The true warmongers are the agents of the Islamic Republic who will execute you if you be true to yourself.”
During her visit, Wright came under scrutiny for touring Iran as a British porn actor previously faced criticism for a similar tour of Iran in 2016. The Iranian government and its state media have used U.S. support for Israel in criticizing the U.S. and opponents of Iran’s theocracy. As a result, the U.S. State Department has warned Americans to avoid traveling to Iran, citing the risks of wrongful detention for those with Western ties that could later result in secret trials and imprisonment that are used as bargaining chips in negotiations. The State Department also emphasized that Iran’s support for terrorist organizations has caused instability in the Middle East since 1979.