A tragic incident claimed the life of Karla Robles, a 27-year-old social media influencer from Tucumán, Argentina. Her death, which occurred during a live broadcast on TikTok on October 24, 2025, is being investigated as a suicide instigated by severe and prolonged harassment.
According to verified reports, Karla Robles was a content creator who worked with cosmetic brands across platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. In the hours leading up to her death, she used a live stream on TikTok to announce her intent to end her life, a decision her family and authorities link directly to persistent gender-based violence and cyberbullying. Her final words during the broadcast included, “Prefiero matarme antes que él me mate a mí” (“I’d rather kill myself before he kills me”).
For years, Robles was subjected to harassment and abuse by her ex-partner, Diego (or Ricardo) Zerda . The official case file contains threatening messages from Zerda, including statements like “Estás loca, matate de una vez. Si no volvés conmigo, mato a tu familia” (“You’re crazy, kill yourself already. If you don’t come back to me, I’ll kill your family”). Despite this, Robles had filed at least six official complaints for physical and psychological violence and death threats against Zerda since 2022, but a local prosecutor repeatedly archived the cases without taking effective protective measures.
Following the incident, Zerda was arrested and is currently detained, charged with “instigación al suicidio” (instigation to suicide) and making threats . In interviews, Robles’s mother, Mirta Jiménez, expressed profound grief and anger at the systemic failure to protect her daughter, stating, “Si él hubiese detenido a ese tipo la primera vez que mi hija denunció, ella hoy estaría viva” (“If he had detained that man the first time my daughter reported him, she would be alive today”).
The case has sparked significant public discussion about online safety, the responsibilities of social media platforms, and, most critically, the effectiveness of systems meant to protect victims of gender-based violence . It underscores the deadly consequences of prolonged harassment and institutional inaction.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the United States, confidential support can be reached 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please contact local emergency services or a mental health organization. You are not alone.