Parents, Accused of Tattooing Their Screaming Baby for a Social Media Contest, Break Their Silence

Parents accused of tattooing their baby for a social media contest have broken their silence. The couple’s actions came under scrutiny when they shared a video of what appeared to be them tattooing their 1-year-old child for an online giveaway contest. The couple submitted the clip to participate in a competition hosted by Belarusian streamer Mellstroy, where the prize was an apartment valued at over $60,000. However, they have since claimed that the video was staged as part of a hoax.

The Russian parents allegedly filmed themselves using a tattoo gun on their child’s arm, etching the phrase “Mellstroy.Game.” The mother was reported to have explained in the video that their motive for participating in the competition was to win an apartment due to their financial difficulties. The clip, which caused outrage online and attracted the attention of authorities, prompted the parents to defend themselves. They asserted that they did not actually tattoo their child and that the entire process was simulated using a gel pen. The mother stated that the infant cried in the video because he was tired, not due to any physical harm.

Following the intense backlash and investigations launched by authorities, the parents spoke to a Russian newspaper, Izvestia, to address the situation. They reiterated that the video was a staged performance and maintained that no harm was inflicted on their baby. Despite their claims of the incident being fabricated, law enforcement agencies are looking into the family’s situation to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation confirmed that the family would be subject to a preventive inspection to assess their living conditions.

Mellstroy, the streamer responsible for the controversial competition, has since clarified that videos involving children will not be accepted as entries in his contests. He emphasised the importance of avoiding the exploitation of young children for entertainment purposes. The incident has brought attention to the ethical considerations surrounding online challenges and the lengths individuals may go to for monetary gain or recognition on social media platforms.

In addition to the tattooing incident, reports indicate that the competition organised by Mellstroy has encouraged participants to engage in other extreme and potentially harmful acts to garner attention. Examples include individuals shaving their heads, damaging property, destroying documents, and setting themselves on fire. The streamer’s initiative, intended to generate online engagement and viewership, has raised concerns about the impact of such challenges on the well-being and safety of participants.

As the controversy surrounding the tattooing video continues to unfold, it serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks and consequences of seeking validation and rewards through social media stunts. The incident highlights the fine line between creating engaging content for online platforms and crossing ethical boundaries that could endanger individuals, particularly vulnerable children. Authorities and online platforms are urged to enforce stricter regulations and guidelines to prevent the exploitation of minors and promote responsible digital behaviour.