Mexican influencer Valentina Gilabert, a 19-year-old who survived a vicious stabbing earlier this year, returned to TikTok this week with a deeply moving video—revealing the physical scars that remain from the life-threatening assault. In a quiet but powerful post, the young content creator offered a message of resilience and transformation, sharing not only what her body endured but also how the experience changed her outlook on life.
The attack occurred on February 5, 2025, inside the upscale Park Pedregal residential complex in Mexico City. Gilabert was allegedly stabbed 14 times by fellow influencer Marianne Gonzaga, then 17, in what authorities have described as a premeditated assault, reportedly stemming from personal and emotional conflict.
According to statements made by Valentina's father in the days following the attack, the wounds affected several vital areas of her body — including her lungs, ribs, face, scalp, and hand. The injuries were so severe that doctors initially feared for her life.
After weeks in the hospital and multiple surgeries, Gilabert has been slowly rebuilding her life. Last week, she announced she had returned to her university studies in gastronomy — a notable turning point in her recovery. But it was her latest video on her TikTok account, now viewed more than four million times, that sparked an outpouring of emotion across social media.
The video features Gilabert revealing the scars on her back, right side, scalp, and nose, set to the haunting sound of ambulance sirens — a choice fans interpret as a reference to the day of the attack. With her hair pulled up and her face turned to the camera, she lets viewers in on a reality few influencers ever share.
"One day someone told me, 'Without bad days, you wouldn't know what a good day feels like,' and the day I understood that, everything changed," she wrote in the caption.
Thousands of comments have poured in, calling Gilabert a survivor, a warrior, and a symbol of strength. "You are a miracle," one follower wrote. "You were reborn, don't forgive your attacker — fight for justice," another added.
Meanwhile, Gonzaga, her alleged attacker, was arrested and charged with intentional bodily harm. Currently, a supplementary investigation is underway while she remains in pretrial detention.
Valentina Gilabert's case has highlighted the violence that can arise in the digital environment and the importance of addressing these issues seriously. Her testimony is a call to reflect on mental health, responsibility on social media, and the need for justice for victims of assault.
