The Viral Truth: 5 Facts About The 'Croatian President In A Bikini' Scandal And Where Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović Is Now
The enduring myth of the "Croatian President in a bikini" continues to resurface on social media, making it one of the most persistent pieces of political fake news of the last decade. As of December 2025, the images, which purportedly show the former Croatian President on a beach, are still being shared widely, proving the power of a sensational headline over the truth. This article offers the definitive, up-to-date facts, revealing the real story behind the viral sensation and providing a deep dive into the impressive career of the woman at the center of the controversy, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović.
The individual consistently misidentified in the photos is Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, who served as the fourth President of the Republic of Croatia and was the first woman to hold the office. The controversy peaked during her tenure, often coinciding with major global events like the FIFA World Cup, where her passionate support for the Croatian national team garnered her international attention. It is critical to understand the source of the rumor, the identity of the person actually in the photos, and the significant political career of President Grabar-Kitarović.
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović: Full Biography and Political Profile
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović is a highly accomplished diplomat, politician, and the first female President of Croatia. Her career spans decades of high-level national and international service, significantly predating her presidency.
- Born: April 29, 1968, in Rijeka, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia (now Croatia).
- Education: Graduated from the University of Zagreb (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences) with a Master's degree in International Relations. She was also a Fulbright Scholar at George Washington University and a visiting scholar at Harvard University.
- Early Career: Began her professional career in 1992 at the Ministry of Science and Technology, later moving to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Ambassador to the United States (2008–2011): Served as the Croatian Ambassador to the United States, a critical diplomatic post.
- Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy at NATO (2011–2014): She was the first woman appointed to this high-ranking position within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), overseeing the organization's public outreach and communications.
- President of Croatia (2015–2020): Elected as the fourth President of Croatia, serving a single five-year term.
- Post-Presidency & Current Role: Since leaving office, she has remained active in global affairs, serving on several international boards and speaking at major global forums, such as the GLOBSEC Forum in 2024. She is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders and the Global Leadership Foundation.
- Personal Life: Married to Jakov Kitarović, with whom she has two children.
The Viral Bikini Photos: Debunking the Fake News
The core curiosity surrounding the "Croatian president in a bikini" is based on a photograph that went viral multiple times, notably in 2015 and again in 2018 during the World Cup. The photos show a woman in a bright yellow bikini on a beach.
Fact 1: The Woman in the Photos is Not Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović
Despite the persistent claims, the photos do not depict Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. The images are a classic example of political misinformation and a viral hoax that has been thoroughly debunked by multiple fact-checking organizations globally.
Fact 2: The Real Identity of the Woman is Coco Austin
The woman in the widely circulated bikini pictures is actually Nicole "Coco" Austin, an American model, actress, and reality television personality, and the wife of rapper and actor Ice-T. The images are several years old and were taken of Austin during a vacation, long before they were falsely attributed to the Croatian President. The resemblance was just close enough for the rumor to take hold in the early days of social media.
Fact 3: The Controversy Resurfaces Periodically
The fake news cycle around these images is a recurring phenomenon. It often peaks when Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović is in the global spotlight, such as during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where her visible enthusiasm and presence in the stands—often wearing the national football jersey—made her a media darling. This increased visibility led to a spike in searches for her name, which in turn brought the old, debunked bikini photos back into circulation.
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović's Authentic Public Image and Legacy
While the viral bikini photos are a fabrication, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović has cultivated an authentic and widely recognized public image that has defined her legacy far more than any fake scandal. Her genuine persona and diplomatic skills are key to understanding her impact on Croatian and international politics.
The World Cup Phenomenon and Soft Diplomacy
Perhaps her most iconic public display came during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. She became a global sensation for her down-to-earth, passionate, and non-formal approach to supporting her team. She flew economy class, paid for her own tickets, and watched games from the general stands alongside regular fans, often wearing the Croatian jersey. This display of national pride and accessibility was a powerful form of soft diplomacy, endearing her to millions worldwide and projecting a positive, human image of Croatia.
Her actions during the tournament, including embracing players and foreign leaders in the pouring rain during the final ceremony, were seen as a refreshing departure from traditional, rigid political protocol. This authenticity is a stark contrast to the fabricated, sensationalist nature of the bikini photo hoax.
Fact 4: A Trailblazing Career Beyond the Presidency
Grabar-Kitarović's career is marked by a series of "firsts." She was not only Croatia's first female President but also the first woman to be appointed Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy at NATO. Her deep experience in diplomacy, security, and international relations makes her an influential voice on the global stage today. She continues to advocate for women in leadership and global cooperation.
Fact 5: Her Continued Influence in 2025 and Beyond
As of December 2025, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović remains a prominent figure in international affairs. Her work is now focused on global governance, security, and sustainable development. She serves on the Global Leadership Foundation, which supports democratic leadership and conflict resolution. Her presence at high-level security and political forums, such as the GLOBSEC Forum, confirms her ongoing relevance and influence long after her presidential term ended.
The persistent online fascination with the "Croatian president in a bikini" serves as a modern case study in how political figures, particularly powerful women, are often subjected to online scrutiny and misinformation. While the internet may continue to circulate the fake photos of Coco Austin, the real story is the distinguished and ongoing career of Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, a leader who broke glass ceilings in diplomacy and politics.
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