A Russian influencer and new mom, Mariana Vasiuc, is recovering from a broken spine after attempting the viral “Nicki Minaj Stiletto Challenge.” The 32-year-old tried to recreate Nicki’s famous crouched pose from the “High School” music video—only she did it while balancing in high heels on her kitchen counter.
The setup? She stacked a bottle of baby formula on top of a metal pan to mimic the elevation. As she tried to strike the pose, the setup shifted and she fell hard. The result: a fractured T9 vertebra—an injury that required a back brace and strict medical monitoring.
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Mariana, who recently gave birth, shared her hospital journey with followers, joking that she’s now “a star” for all the wrong reasons. Her baby is reportedly doing fine under nanny care while she recovers.
The Nicki Minaj Stiletto Challenge has taken over TikTok, but not without consequences. Users have been balancing on dumbbells, bottles, and other unstable items to nail the pose. Medical professionals are urging caution—if not flat-out avoidance. One physical therapist even issued a public guide on how to “safely” attempt the trend, but many say it’s simply too risky.
Social media clout can be tempting, but risking spinal injury might not be worth the likes. Mariana is lucky to be recovering—but her story serves as a warning: not every trend needs to be tried.
