A 32-year-old Russian woman, Mariana Barutkina, has suffered a severe spinal injury while participating in the dangerous “Nicki Minaj stiletto challenge,” just weeks after giving birth.
Barutkina attempted the viral stunt by balancing herself in high heels atop a kitchen counter, stacking unstable items beneath her feet—including a baby formula can resting on a sauce pot. While trying to strike the challenge’s signature squatting pose, she lost her balance and took a hard fall.
The incident, captured on video and posted online, ended with her being rushed for medical evaluation. She was later diagnosed with a compression fracture of the ninth thoracic vertebra (Th9).
Still new to content creation, Barutkina shared the ordeal with her followers, reflecting on how unpredictable and painful the pursuit of viral fame can become.
The challenge, which mimics a pose from Nicki Minaj’s “High School” music video, has prompted many influencers to perform dangerous stunts in heels on unstable surfaces. Barutkina’s injury has reignited concerns over the lengths people go for social media attention—especially at the cost of their health.
WATCH VIDEO:
@unoemenoticias🤬🫣El 5 de agosto de 2025, Mariana Barutkina, influencer rusa, se viralizó tras fracturarse la espalda intentando el Stiletto Challenge, balanceándose en tacones sobre una barra de cocina. El challenge, popularizado por Nicki Minaj, involucra posar en tacones en lugares peligrosos. Barutkina, semanas después de dar a luz, admitió que valió la pena por la fama. Hoy, críticas a la cultura de likes y la peligrosidad de trends virales. viral_video influencer retochallenge ♬ sonido original – 1 minuto noticias – 1 minuto noticias
Source: NewsandVibes.com
