New Delhi— Brazilian model and influencer Larissa Nery has expressed shock and amusement after discovering that her photograph was displayed during Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s press conference on alleged voter fraud in Haryana. Gandhi had claimed that a “Brazilian national’s photo” was used multiple times in Indian voter rolls — a revelation that has since gone viral.
In a video message posted online, Larissa said she was stunned to learn that her old picture was circulating in Indian political discussions. “Guys, I can’t believe this gossip. They’re using an old photo of mine; I must have been about 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?” she said in Portuguese, which was later translated online.
The controversy began when Indian fact-checker Mohammed Zubair pointed out that the photo used in Gandhi’s presentation actually belonged to the Brazilian model. His post quickly went viral, triggering widespread reactions and memes across social media.
Hours later, Larissa shared another video confirming that the image was indeed hers and reacting humorously to the global attention. “A reporter even called the salon where I work, trying to talk to me for an interview. Then he found my Instagram and tried to contact me there. Oh my God, what craziness!” she said, laughing.
She added that friends from other cities had sent her the viral screenshots, expressing disbelief over how far the story had spread.
Independent verification later revealed that the original photo was taken by Brazilian photographer Matheus Ferrero, whose portrait work is available on platforms like Unsplash.
Screenshots of Larissa’s reaction and her social media comments have flooded X and Instagram, turning the model into an unexpected viral sensation in India’s political debate.
