Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 6: In a bizarre turn of events, Brazilian model and influencer Larissa Nery has expressed shock after discovering that her photograph was used in Indian political circles — and even displayed during a press conference addressed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

In a video posted online, Larissa reacted with disbelief and humour after learning that an old picture of hers was being circulated as that of an Indian voter. “Guys, I can’t believe this gossip,” she said in Portuguese, which was later translated into English. “They’re using an old photo of mine — I must have been around 18 or 20 in that picture. They’re portraying me as Indian to scam people. What madness! What craziness is this, what world do we live in?”

The controversy began after fact-checker Mohammed Zubair shared a clip pointing out that the image used during Gandhi’s press conference was not that of an Indian citizen. The revelation quickly spread across social media, triggering a wave of amusement and confusion among users.

Larissa later confirmed that the viral image was indeed hers, saying she was stunned by the sudden international attention. “A reporter even called the salon where I work, trying to speak to me for an interview,” she shared in another video. “Then he found my Instagram and tried contacting me there. Oh my God, what craziness!”

Friends and acquaintances from across Brazil reportedly sent her the viral images, equally surprised to see her face involved in Indian political news.

Independent searches revealed that the original photograph of Larissa Nery was taken by renowned Brazilian photographer Matheus Ferrero, whose portrait work is widely available on platforms like Unsplash.

Screenshots of Larissa’s lighthearted reaction have since gone viral, turning the mix-up into one of the most talked-about social media moments of the week.