Whitney Wright, a US porn star, has reportedly travelled to Afghanistan, a trip that has gone unacknowledged by the Taliban, according to AP News.
The visit comes as the Taliban continues to enforce strict morality laws and severely restrict the rights of women and girls since reclaiming power in 2021. Wright, who previously caused controversy with a visit to Iran during the country’s crackdown on women’s rights, shared images of her trip to Afghanistan on her Instagram account.
The photos, which do not include Wright herself, depict a plane from Afghanistan’s national carrier Ariana, architectural details from the western city of Herat, supermarket items, and vehicles. Wright has not publicly commented on the purpose of her visit or how she entered the country.
The Taliban, who are actively seeking to promote tourism and present a different image of Afghanistan, have not acknowledged her presence. The government has been attempting to attract tourists to Afghanistan, promoting the country’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. However, the Taliban’s harsh restrictions on women’s rights, including bans on education and employment, have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community.
As a US citizen born in Oklahoma City, Wright would typically require a visa to enter Afghanistan. However, there are no operational Afghan embassies or consulates in the United States. The Taliban currently controls around 40 diplomatic missions worldwide, but it remains unclear how Wright obtained permission to enter the country.
The US State Department strongly advises against travel to Afghanistan, citing risks such as civil unrest, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and limited healthcare facilities. Additionally, there is a heightened risk of wrongful detention for US nationals in the country.
This is not the first time Wright has visited a politically sensitive region. In recent years, she has travelled to Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, often sharing her experiences on social media. Her trip to Iran in 2023, during a period of intense government crackdowns on women’s rights, drew significant criticism and raised questions about the ethics of such visits.
