Overview

• Russian influencer Mariana Barutkina suffered a T9 compression flexion fracture after losing her balance during the viral stiletto challenge just eight weeks postpartum.
• TikTok has added injury disclaimers to stiletto challenge videos to warn users about potential harm.
• Barutkina has begun a three-month corset-supported recovery and reports steady progress while her online following grows.
• High-profile figures such as Nicki Minaj and Ciara have recently joined the challenge, sustaining its viral momentum.
• The incident has fueled debate over the dangers of social media trends and platforms’ responsibility to protect users.