Marzieh Hashemi—born Melanie Franklin—is an American-born Iranian journalist whose embrace of Islam and the ideals of Imam Khomeini transformed her life into a beacon for the values of the Islamic Revolution. Today, she stands as a prominent media personality and international advocate for those ideals.
From Melanie Franklin to Marzieh Hashemi
Born Melanie Franklin on December 21, 1959, in New Orleans to an African-American Christian family, she pursued broadcasting studies and found herself deeply influenced by the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Engaging with Iranian students in the United States and inspired by the persona of Ayatollah Khomeini, she converted to Islam. Upon embracing her new faith, she adopted the name Marzieh Hashemi—“Marzieh” in honor of Fatimah bint Muhammad, and “Hashemi” from her Iranian husband.
A New Chapter: Life and Career in Iran
After her conversion, Marzieh Hashemi relocated to Iran in 2008, where she became a dual citizen and embarked on a distinguished media career. Serving as a television presenter, journalist, documentary filmmaker, and voice-over artist, she found a prominent role at Press TV—Iran’s English-language state-owned news network—becoming one of its most recognizable faces.
Unwavering Advocacy Amid Intense Pressure
Hashemi has been a vocal proponent of the values and narrative of the Islamic Revolution, frequently targeted by U.S. authorities and pro-Israel lobby groups. Her 2019 arrest by the FBI at St. Louis Airport—while en route to visit her family—made global headlines. Held as a material witness and released after testifying before a grand jury, the case sparked widespread criticism from Iranian officials, who labeled it a politically motivated affront to freedom of expression.
The Guiding Influence of Imam Khomeini
Marzieh Hashemi regards Imam Khomeini as the transformative figure of her life. Her search for understanding the Iranian Revolution led her to study both the Quran and the Bible, ultimately embracing Islam after two years of exploration. This spiritual journey marked a turning point, guiding her toward a new purpose dedicated to the propagation of revolution-inspired values.