Fact Check: The Viral 'Croatian President In A Bikini' Photos And The Real Story Behind Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović

The internet has a long memory, and one of the most enduring viral stories involves the former President of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, and a set of highly-publicized bikini photographs. As of today, December 11, 2025, the search term "Croatian president in a bikini" still generates massive interest, years after the initial images first circulated. It is crucial to understand that the photos widely shared online, purporting to show the then-President in a revealing bathing suit on a beach, are definitively fake and have been debunked by numerous fact-checkers globally. This article dives into the full context of the controversy, reveals the true identity of the woman in the photos, and explores the actual public image of one of Croatia’s most recognizable political figures.

The controversy, which peaked around the time of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, became a global phenomenon, momentarily overshadowing serious political discourse. While the images proved to be a case of mistaken identity and fake news, the intense public reaction highlighted the unique global fascination with Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović’s persona—a blend of serious statesmanship and approachable, patriotic enthusiasm.

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović: Full Biography and Political Profile

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović is a Croatian politician and diplomat who made history as the first woman to be elected President of Croatia, serving from 2015 to 2020. Her career is marked by a series of high-profile national and international roles, establishing her as a significant figure in modern European politics.

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• Full Name: Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović
• Date of Birth: April 29, 1968
• Place of Birth: Rijeka, Socialist Republic of Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia (now Croatia)
• Education: Graduated from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zagreb. She also attended the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, The George Washington University, and held a Fulbright scholarship at Harvard University. She earned her Ph.D. in International Relations.
• Spouse: Jakov Kitarović
• Children: Two (Katarina and Luka)
• Political Party: Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ)
• Key Political Roles:
  • President of Croatia: 2015–2020 (Fourth President)
  • Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy at NATO: 2011–2014 (The first woman to hold this position)
  • Ambassador of Croatia to the United States: 2008–2011
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration: 2005–2008
  • Minister of European Integration: 2003–2005
• Post-Presidency: She has continued her work in international relations, serving on various global boards and commissions, focusing on issues like global security and women's leadership.

Her diplomatic and political career is characterized by a strong focus on Croatia's integration into European and transatlantic structures, including NATO and the European Union.

The Viral Bikini Photos: Debunking the Fake News

The story of the "Croatian President in a bikini" is a textbook example of how quickly misinformation can spread on the internet, especially when mixed with public curiosity and a high-profile figure. The viral images began circulating widely on social media platforms and tabloid websites, particularly in 2018.

The reason for the massive spread was twofold. Firstly, the sensational nature of a female head of state being photographed in such a manner was clickbait gold. Secondly, the timing coincided with the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where Croatia’s national football team made a historic run to the final.

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Who is the Woman in the Viral Photos?

The woman in the widely circulated bikini photographs is not Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. The individual is American model and television personality Coco Austin (Nicole Austin). The images were taken years earlier and have absolutely no connection to the former Croatian President. Fact-checking organizations, including major news agencies, definitively debunked the claims, but the myth continues to resurface periodically due to the powerful initial viral surge.

The confusion likely stemmed from a deliberate miscaptioning on early social media posts, exploiting the public's general unfamiliarity with the Croatian leader's appearance compared to her American counterpart, and the desire for a sensational story. The photographs show a woman in a black bikini on a beach, and the false claim was attached to them, creating a major global news item that was completely untrue.

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović's Authentic Public Image and Legacy

While the fake bikini photos generated short-term sensationalism, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović's actual public image is defined by her statesmanship, her diplomatic history, and her enthusiastic support for Croatian national identity. Her persona during the 2018 World Cup is perhaps the most accurate representation of her connection with the Croatian people and the global audience.

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During the tournament, she gained international praise and attention for her down-to-earth behavior. She flew to Russia on commercial flights, sat in the general stands with fans (rather than the VIP box), and wore the national team's jersey at every match. This display of genuine, unscripted patriotism and accessibility resonated strongly with both her constituents and the international media.

The Power of Authenticity and Diplomatic Style

Her actions during the World Cup established a powerful counter-narrative to the fake bikini photos. She was photographed embracing players, cheering passionately in the rain, and warmly greeting world leaders, all while wearing the Croatian colors. This image cemented her reputation as an approachable, passionate, and strong female leader on the global stage.

Her diplomatic style, often described as warm and direct, was a key feature of her presidency. She was known for her ability to connect with people from various backgrounds, a skill honed during her years as an Ambassador and NATO official. Entities like the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and NATO have often highlighted her ability to bridge cultural and political divides.

The Enduring Impact of Misinformation

The "bikini controversy" serves as a lasting reminder of the challenges faced by public figures, especially women, in the age of viral media. Despite the clear fact-check, the search volume for the fake story remains high, demonstrating the sticky nature of sensational misinformation compared to the factual truth. The incident inadvertently put a spotlight on the former President, forcing a conversation about her public image versus the manufactured image created by fake news. Ultimately, her political legacy and diplomatic achievements are what define her career, far outweighing a debunked viral rumor.

The story of Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and the fake bikini photos is a fascinating case study in modern media consumption. It underscores the importance of media literacy and fact-checking, proving that even years later, the truth—that the woman in the viral photos is Coco Austin, not the former Croatian President—needs to be consistently reiterated to combat the long tail of internet misinformation.