Mikayla Nogueira Responds to ‘5:19 Video’ Controversy: ‘It Hurt Me A Lot’
Mikayla Nogueira has broken her silence on the backlash to an old video in which she appeared to complain about how difficult it is being an influencer.
In a TikTok video shared Sept. 30, the beauty influencer addressed the controversy and thanked those who have continued to support her despite the criticism she's received.
She clarified that the controversial and since-deleted video was in response to a troll who told her to "get a real job, try working a 9–5."
"Emotions were running high. Unfortunately, I was having a s--t day and I made a video I absolutely shouldn't have made. I regret making it. There's a reason, a year and a half ago, I deleted that video and I apologized — because it was wrong of me," Mikayla explained.
Mikayla added she was heartbroken that people believe she thinks her job as a beauty influencer is harder than anyone else's. She shared she loves being an influencer but that the job — just like any other — can be mentally taxing. At the same time, she said she realizes that others work much harder than her and some have more difficult careers.
"This job comes with an extreme amount of f---ingg privilege and blessings. It's a f---ing sick ass job," she acknowledged, noting she will be sure to show her gratitude in the future.
For now, however, Mikayla is stepping away from social media in order to take care of herself and her mental health.
"It's not related to what happened, but unfortunately my mental health has been deteriorating for several months now," Mikayla revealed, adding she pushed herself "a little too far" and feels like she lost herself in the process.
Mikayla vowed to her followers that she will return but that she needs to get treatment for her depression.
"I just want to be the best Mikayla I can be and, right now, I'm not a very good version of myself," she concluded. Watch her video below:
In the controversial 2021 TikTok video that has since been deleted, Mikayla said:
Every single day, I get up at 6AM. I spend about five to six hours filming video content that ranges from three to four videos and then I spent a few hours editing that video content. Then I have to work on my other social media profiles, whatever it may be. It's f---ingg marketing. Then I'm in meetings from twelve to five...
...I literally just finished working, it’s 5:19. Try being an influencer for a day, try it. Because the people who say it’s easy are so far out of their minds. Try it for a day.