A social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers is under criminal investigation after authorities say he paid a mentally disabled woman $20 to jump into a body of water for online content — and then fled the scene when she appeared to be in distress.
The incident occurred Saturday afternoon near Riverside Park, a popular gathering spot along the downtown waterfront. According to police reports, the woman, believed to be in her early 30s, was approached by the influencer and at least two companions while she was sitting near the river’s edge.
Investigators allege the influencer offered her cash in exchange for jumping into the water while being recorded on a smartphone. Witnesses told police the woman appeared confused but agreed after being shown the money.
Shortly after entering the water, the woman began struggling. Bystanders say she appeared unable to swim and was visibly panicking as the current pulled her away from the shoreline.
“It went from laughing to screaming in seconds,” said Marcus Hill, who was jogging nearby. “Then the guy who was filming just took off.”
According to police, the influencer and his companions fled the scene before emergency services arrived. Several bystanders rushed to help the woman, pulling her to safety and calling 911. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for water inhalation and hypothermia. Hospital officials said she is expected to recover.
Authorities later confirmed the woman has an intellectual disability and lives in supported housing nearby.
“This was not a prank,” Police Chief Angela Rodriguez said at a press conference Monday. “This was the exploitation of a vulnerable individual for personal gain.”
The influencer, whose name has not yet been officially released pending charges, is known for posting so-called “challenge” and “dare” videos that frequently involve strangers. Several of his videos appear to have been removed from his social media accounts since the incident.
Police say they recovered deleted footage from a bystander’s phone that appears to show the exchange of money and the jump. Investigators are now working with prosecutors to determine appropriate charges, which could include reckless endangerment, exploitation of a vulnerable adult, and failure to render aid.
Legal experts say the case could carry serious consequences.
“Paying a person with a cognitive disability to perform a dangerous act, then abandoning them when harm occurs, strips away any defense of ignorance or humor,” said criminal law professor Elaine Porter. “The duty to help is especially clear once you’ve created the risk.”
Family members of the woman released a statement through an advocate, calling the incident “humiliating and terrifying.”
“She trusted someone who saw her as content, not as a human being,” the statement read. “That trust nearly cost her life.”
Public reaction has been swift and intense. Advocacy groups for people with disabilities have called for stronger protections and harsher penalties for online creators who exploit vulnerable individuals.
“This is what happens when clout becomes more valuable than conscience,” said David Nguyen, director of the Disability Justice Network. “Platforms need to take responsibility, too.”
The social media platform associated with the influencer said it is reviewing the case and will cooperate with law enforcement. Company policy prohibits content that endangers individuals or exploits vulnerable populations.
As of Tuesday evening, no arrest had been made, but police said charges are expected.
The case has reignited debate over influencer accountability, online monetization, and the real-world harm that can result when digital stunts cross ethical and legal lines.
“This wasn’t just a bad decision,” Chief Rodriguez said. “It was a choice — and someone nearly died because of it.”