Shock and Outrage as Mexican Influencer Valeria Marquez Killed During TikTok Livestream

Tragedy struck the Mexican social media scene on Wednesday as 23-year-old influencer Valeria Marquez was shot and killed during a live TikTok broadcast from her beauty salon in Zapopan, Guadalajara.

According to the Jalisco state prosecutor’s office, a man entered the salon — allegedly under the pretense of bringing a gift — and opened fire on Marquez while she was livestreaming, ending the broadcast in horror. A person nearby picked up the phone and stopped the recording shortly after.

Police confirmed her death at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time, while investigations are underway. Authorities have classified the case as femicide, a gender-based killing, as concerns grow over the rising wave of violence against women in Mexico.

Valeria, who had nearly 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, was a vibrant presence online, known for her beauty tutorials, lifestyle content, and engaging personality. News of her death has sent shockwaves through her fanbase, with tributes flooding social media from across the country.

✍🏾 Opinion: A Nation in Mourning — When Safety is a Luxury for Women

Valeria’s killing is not just a tragic loss of a young life — it's a chilling reflection of a larger national crisis. In a country where 10 women are killed daily, according to the United Nations, her murder — livestreamed for the world to witness — is an unbearable reminder of how unsafe spaces have become for women, even in their own businesses.

The fact that she never sought police protection despite reported threats, as stated by Zapopan Mayor Juan José Frangie, underscores the wider issue of fear, mistrust, and vulnerability that too many women live with in silence.

Valeria was more than a digital personality — she was a young entrepreneur, content creator, daughter, friend, and role model to many. Her voice mattered. Her life mattered. And the silence around femicide must finally break.

What will it take for Mexico — and the world — to prioritize the safety of women?
Will Valeria’s death finally push authorities to act more swiftly and protect women in public and online spaces?
Join the call: #JusticeForValeria. Her story must not be another forgotten headline.