Russian influencer Mariana Barutkina has suffered a serious spinal injury after attempting the viral “Stiletto Challenge,” a dangerous online trend inspired by rapper Nicki Minaj’s pose in the 2013 “High School” music video.

 

 

 

Barutkina, 32, from Yekaterinburg, was filming content for her new blog on August 1 when the incident occurred. In a video posted to Instagram, she attempted to balance on a tub of baby food placed atop a saucepan while wearing stiletto heels, just eight weeks after giving birth. Seconds into the video, her right foot slipped, and she fell backwards off the kitchen counter. The clip cut off as she hit the floor.

 

 

 

 

She was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with a compression flexion fracture of the Th9 vertebra, a potentially severe spinal injury. Compression fractures, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can lead to long-term complications, including spine curvature or collapse, especially if left untreated.

 

 

 

Following the incident, Barutkina addressed her followers in a post translated by The Sun, saying, “I decided to start a blog, my first content shoot and here I am leaving the doctor’s with a diagnosis. Irony? Karma? Or just life, which always tests our strength at the most unexpected moment.”

 

 

 

 

Despite her injury, Barutkina expressed gratitude for the outpouring of attention, writing, “Because of one video, which was poorly filmed, I woke up as a popular person. People, thank you for the popularity, for your concerns and for your comments. I am doing great, I am following the recommendations and now I live in the status of a ‘star.’”

 

 

 

The influencer also responded to criticism over her decision to participate in the risky trend while caring for a newborn. “For those who are worried about my child, I will also reassure you — he has two nannies and while I was filming, one of them was with him,” she said.

 

 

 

Barutkina’s video quickly went viral, drawing backlash and reigniting conversations about the dangers of online stunts. Health professionals have warned against participating in the challenge, which has seen a rise in attempts by social media users mimicking Minaj’s signature stiletto pose.

 

 

 

The stunt gained renewed popularity after Minaj herself reposted a clip on August 5, joking about the difficulty of the pose and promising fans a safer version in a new outfit.

 

 

 

Barutkina has since stated that she will not be granting interviews or engaging with the media, but continues to update her followers on her recovery through social media.