Russian influencer Mariana Barutkina has been hospitalized after attempting a dangerous internet trend inspired by Nicki Minaj. The challenge, known online as the “Stiletto Challenge,” involves recreating a pose from the rapper’s 2013 music video High School. While trying to film her own version of the stunt, Barutkina suffered a serious spinal injury.
The 32-year-old, who lives in Yekaterinburg, was recording content for her new blog on August 1. In the clip, she stood in stiletto heels on a jar of baby food placed on top of a saucepan — a risky setup, especially considering she had given birth only eight weeks earlier. Within seconds, her foot slipped, and she fell backwards off the kitchen counter. The video ends right as she hits the floor.
Barutkina was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with a compression flexion fracture of her Th9 vertebra. This kind of injury, according to health experts, can lead to long-term problems such as spinal curvature or collapse if it isn’t treated properly.
After the incident, she posted a message to her followers. In a translated Instagram update, she reflected on the irony of the situation, saying she had just started her blog and ended up leaving the doctor’s office with a serious injury. She questioned whether it was karma, bad luck, or simply one of life’s unexpected tests.
Despite what happened, she remained positive and even joked about her sudden fame. She thanked her followers for the attention, support, and kind comments, saying that the poorly filmed video had unexpectedly made her popular. She added that she was following medical advice and now had a new title — “a star.”
Some viewers were critical of her decision to attempt such a risky move while caring for a newborn. In response, she reassured everyone that her baby was safe and well cared for during the filming. She explained that two nannies were hired to help, and one was with the baby at the time.
The video spread quickly across social media, reigniting conversations about the risks of viral internet trends. Health professionals have spoken out against the Nicki Minaj-inspired pose, urging people not to try it, especially in unsafe settings.
Interest in the challenge spiked again after Minaj herself reposted a fan’s attempt on August 5, making light of the pose’s difficulty and teasing a safer version in an upcoming outfit.
Barutkina has since announced that she won’t be giving interviews to the media but will continue sharing updates on her recovery through her social channels.
