Social Media Storm: The Feud Between Influencer Aida Victoria Merlano and Businesswoman Mariana Zapata
In the age of social media, public figures are often at the forefront of controversies that can spark heated debates and passionate reactions among followers. Recently, this proved true as the tension between influencer Aida Victoria Merlano and businesswoman Mariana Zapata reached new heights. The dispute began with an altercation between Zapata and another influencer, Melissa Gate, over a substantial fee related to an appearance at Expobelleza 2025—an event showcasing beauty and wellness.
Zapata’s statement regarding Gate’s fee stirred the pot, prompting a backlash that caught the attention of Merlano. The influencer’s remarks on the situation prompted Zapata to respond, escalating the social media feud.
The Trigger: Fee Disputes at Expobelleza
The chaos began when Zapata shared her thoughts on Melissa Gate’s demand of 15 million pesos for an appearance at her stand during Expobelleza 2025. During a moment on a yacht, Zapata expressed her feelings, stating, “I’m only going to say one thing: that lady who is going to raise her son—because she is in pregnancy—has to leave me calm. Thanks to me, he is going out to speak.” This message caught the attention of many, especially Merlano, who felt compelled to intervene.
Aida’s Response: Defending Her Position
Following Zapata’s comments, Aida Victoria Merlano took to her own social media channels to express her discontent. She clarified her position, stating that she never intended to offend Zapata. Merlano emphasized her commitment to speaking her mind, saying, “I feel that I was very respectful of my opinions. Now I at the time went out to reflect even on a mango tree, and the mango stick has gone viral for being in my mouth, not the other way around, so do not get confused.” This statement underscores her intent to speak her truth while being respectful.
High-Stakes Reactions: The Public’s Engagement
The public reactions to this feud were overwhelming, with many followers rallying behind Merlano. Supportive comments flooded social media platforms, with some users jovially expressing their approval of Merlano’s take on the situation. One follower commented, “Aida Victoria only made some comments on the air, and an attack fell—end of the story.” Such a statement resonates with many followers who appreciate her candidness in an often superficial industry.
Additionally, Merlano addressed Zapata’s remarks concerning her pregnancy, saying, “To gestate, you will mean. And while my son is born, I can be raising you.” This sardonic retort exemplified her willingness to stand her ground, though it also sparked further discussion about gender dynamics in online disputes.
Health Reports: Aida’s Well-being Update
Recently, Aida Victoria Merlano faced her own health challenges, requiring hospitalization due to severe gastritis. Early reports indicated that she feared possible complications, but after thorough medical tests, she emerged with positive updates regarding her health.
In an Instagram video, she reassured her fans, “Girls, why are you so worried? I was dying, I stirred in pain, I didn’t endure, and I thought I had calculations.” Her openness about her struggles resonates with her audience, fostering a sense of community and support.
In this context, Merlano also shared her affection for her unborn child, describing the baby as “intelligent” and expressing how much she loves being a mother. Her ability to connect personal experiences with her professional undertakings distinguishes her as a relatable figure among her fans.
The feud between the two figures, fueled by their contrasting public personas and personal narratives, reveals much about modern influencer culture. It highlights how quickly misunderstandings can spiral into public disputes and how deeply the audience engages within these narratives.
With both women poised to continue their respective careers amidst the fallout of this confrontation, it serves as a reminder of the power of social media interactions and public perception. While this disagreement may have begun over a fee, it quickly evolved into a discourse about respect, motherhood, and personal integrity among influencers.