Story perspectives

Viral Video of 'Morticia Addams' Sparks Iranian Protest Solidarity

1/17/2026

Center

Morticia's Protest Flame

A viral video shows a woman nicknamed "Morticia Addams" lighting a cigarette from a burning photo of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, filmed in Canada.
The woman, an Iranian refugee, created the video to express solidarity with protesters in Iran, where dissent is met with crackdowns.
Protests against the Iranian regime have reportedly killed over 2,670 people.
Since January 8, Iran has faced an internet blackout, complicating verification.

Right

Republicans Ignite Solidarity

Republican lawmakers in the United States are joining a social media trend that burns images of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (the Iranian supreme leader) to light cigarettes, signaling growing international solidarity with protesters as demonstrations intensify.
Iranian authorities are preparing swift trials and executions of detained demonstrators, with at least 18,100 arrests reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that any executions could provoke a military response from the United States.

History

Historical Context

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, establishing an Islamic Republic led by Ayatollah Khomeini. This shift was fueled by widespread discontent over the Shah's authoritarian rule and Western influence, culminating in mass protests. The regime's violent repression, including the deaths of over 2,670 protesters in recent demonstrations, highlights ongoing tensions rooted in this revolutionary history.

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Morticia's Protest Flame

A viral video shows a woman nicknamed "Morticia Addams" lighting a cigarette from a burning photo of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, filmed in Canada.
The woman, an Iranian refugee, created the video to express solidarity with protesters in Iran, where dissent is met with crackdowns.
Protests against the Iranian regime have reportedly killed over 2,670 people.
Since January 8, Iran has faced an internet blackout, complicating verification.

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