Iranian news agency photoshops Michelle Obama’s Oscars dress

It’s no surprise that some in the Middle East were not happy about the movie Argo, which focuses on the Iranian hostage crisis which lasted from 1979 to 1981. But this is a reaction no one was expecting.

During Sunday’s Academy Award’s telecast, First Lady Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance, handing out the award for best picture via satellite from the White House. However, the Iranian news agency Fars not only took exception to the honours bestowed on Ben Affleck’s film, which won the night’s biggest award, it offered a less-than-subtle critique of the First Lady’s dress.

Since Mrs Obama’s gown exposed her shoulders in a way that would violate the codes of modesty enforced in many Muslim nations, Fars photoshopped a picture of the First Lady, with the result offering significantly more coverage of her shoulders and chest.