SAD – Aspiring Russian influencer mom breaks spinal cord attempting viral Nicki Minaj-inspired TikTok challenge

Russian influencer and new mother Mariana Barutkina, 32, suffered a serious back injury after attempting the viral Nicki Minaj “stiletto challenge” in her kitchen. She balanced in heels on a baby formula container stacked on an upturned saucepan placed on a kitchen counter. The precarious setup slid out, causing her to fall backward off the counter and onto the floor.

The Injury
Doctors diagnosed her with a compression flexion fracture of the T9 vertebra. She has been prescribed a rigid back corset for approximately three months while she heals.

Timing
Barutkina is just eight weeks postpartum—a period during which a woman’s body remains especially vulnerable to balance issues and injury. Attempting a high-risk stunt so soon after childbirth has drawn expert concern.

Barutkina’s Own Reaction
She posted the fall video to Instagram and later reflected on her situation:

“The irony? Karma? Or just life, which always tests our strength at the most unexpected moment.”

Despite the serious injury, she announced she was recovering well, thanked followers for the attention, and dubbed herself a “star” after the clip went viral.

Why This Matters

• The risks of viral challenges: What begins as a glamorous social media stunt can quickly turn hazardous.
• Postpartum vulnerability: Attempting high-stepping poses just weeks after giving birth can be physically dangerous.
• The clout culture dilemma: The pursuit of views or status can lead to self-harm, raising questions about social media incentives and priorities.
• Influencer backlash: Commenters criticized her for prioritizing online fame and risking her well-being and her child’s. Barutkina responded by noting she had help from two nannies at the time.

Lessons Learned

1. Never attempt risky challenges on unstable surfaces, especially in heels.
2. Don’t rush into dangerous content creation, particularly after childbirth when strength and balance are still recovering.
3. Pause before risking health for views. Viral fame is temporary; injuries can last a lifetime.

Suggested Attention-Grabbing Headlines

• New Mom Breaks Spine in Harrowing Attempt at Nicki Minaj Stiletto Challenge
• “Irony or Karma?” Russian Influencer’s High-Heel Stunt Goes Horribly Wrong
• Clout-Chasing Backlash: Social Media Fame Comes at a High Cost