Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Daredevil Moms: The Perils of the Stiletto Challenge for Newborns

Mormon infleuncer Mikayla Matthews (pictured) attempted the viral challenge inspired by Nicki Minaj's video - while holding her newborn

Mormon Influencer's Stiletto Challenge Gone Wrong: New Mom Risks Baby's Life for Social Media Clout

The world of social media has always been a treacherous terrain, where influencers and celebrities often find themselves walking a tightrope between fame and infamy. But one Mormon influencer, Mikayla Matthews, has just taken her stilettos to the edge – literally. The 25-year-old mom-of-four, who rose to fame on Hulu's reality TV show "Mormon Wives," recently posted a video of herself attempting the viral "Stiletto Challenge" while balancing on one foot and holding her two-week-old baby girl, Lottie June.

The stunt, which has been making waves across social media platforms, involves recreating a pose from Nicki Minaj's 2013 music video "High School." While many have praised Mikayla's balance and poise, others have slammed her for putting her newborn baby at risk. "Why does everyone think this is okay? If she fell, her newborn would be seriously hurt... Bizarre behavior just for the clicks," wrote one concerned viewer on Instagram.

Mikayla loses her footing and comes off the platform - but her baby remains in her arms

Mikayla, who claims to be the breadwinner in her family of six, captioned the video "How it feels balancing postpartum and four kids with being the breadwinner." The clip shows her attempting to balance for a few seconds before losing her footing and tumbling off the platform. While Lottie June remained unharmed in her mother's arms, many viewers couldn't help but cringe at the thought of what could have happened.

The backlash against Mikayla has been intense, with some calling out her priorities and questioning whether she truly cares about her baby's safety. "Girl, this ain't it," wrote one user on TikTok. "Don't put your newborn baby in a position to get hurt privately or socially." Another viewer joked that Lottie June might become a mini diva if she expects new tricks every time she feeds.

But what's even more disturbing is the fact that this isn't an isolated incident. Just days ago, we reported on Mariana Barutkina, a 32-year-old Russian influencer who suffered a painful spinal injury while attempting the same challenge just eight weeks after giving birth to her son. In a harrowing video shared online, Mariana is seen tumbling backwards as she loses control of her balance. She was diagnosed with a compression flexion fracture in her spine and has been told she must wear a corset for three months.

Mikayla rose to fame as a Mormon influencer before appearing on Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives

Mariana's ordeal has sparked a wave of online criticism, with many questioning the mother's priorities and accusing her of being reckless. "Irony? Karma? Stupidity and courage," wrote one viewer on social media. Another added, "To live to 32, have children, but not gain intelligence – you have to try really hard."

But what's most shocking is that both Mikayla and Mariana are part of a larger trend where influencers prioritize their online presence over their own safety and well-being – let alone the safety of their loved ones. The "Stiletto Challenge" has become a viral sensation, with thousands of users attempting to recreate the pose from Nicki Minaj's music video.

According to The Spinal Injuries Association, approximately 4,700 people are injured or diagnosed with a spinal cord injury every year in the UK. This equates to someone becoming paralyzed every two hours. The organization estimates that around 105,000 people across Britain are currently living with a spinal cord injury.

So what's driving these influencers to take such reckless risks? Is it the desire for social media clout and likes, or do they genuinely believe they're invincible? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: the "Stiletto Challenge" has become a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.

Warning Signs: The Dark Side of Social Media

In an era where influencers and celebrities are constantly pushing boundaries for the sake of clicks and likes, it's essential to examine the warning signs. By attempting stunts that put themselves and others at risk, these individuals may be unwittingly perpetuating a culture of recklessness.

The "Stiletto Challenge" has become a symbol of this darker side of social media – where people prioritize their online presence over their own safety and well-being. As we continue to watch in awe (and horror), it's crucial that we hold influencers like Mikayla Matthews accountable for their actions.

So, what do you think? Are these influencers genuinely concerned about their fans' safety, or are they just trying to stay relevant in the social media game? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

She was criticised for 'endangering her new born baby - but other social media comments were more divided

Mikayla Matthews, who lives in the US state of Utah , rose to fame as a 'Mormon influencer', amassing more than two million followers on TikTok even before she appeared on Hulu's reality TV show Mormon Wives in September 2024. Pictured left to right: Miranda McWhorter, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Taylor, Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley, Taylor Frankie Paul, Jennifer Affleck, Whitney Leavitt and Demi Engemann

The video has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times and prompted a wave of online criticism, with many questioning the mother's priorities