Argentine “Prison Influencer” Faces Backlash Over Lavish Birthday Celebration

An Argentine woman serving a 13-year sentence for her role in a robbery-homicide has sparked outrage after posting images and videos of a lavish, pink-themed birthday celebration inside her prison cell. María Paola Galeano, known as “Malala” on TikTok, shared the content with her over 200,000 followers, prompting a search of her cell and the confiscation of her phone.

Pink-Themed Party Behind Bars

The images and videos, which circulated last month, depict a party complete with pink balloons, a golden tablecloth, flowers, and a sound system. Galeano, wearing a tight pink dress, posed in front of a birthday cake adorned with a crown and lit a sparkler for the camera. A blown-up $100 banknote was also visible on the cell wall, according to reports.

Public Outcry and Investigation

The display of extravagance ignited a public outcry, with many questioning how an inmate could access such luxuries. Social media users expressed anger, with some suggesting Galeano was receiving preferential treatment and residing in a “VIP” wing of the Lomas de Zamora prison. One commenter reportedly wrote, “More rights for criminals than for honest people. Disgusting.”

Galeano’s Criminal History

María Paola Galeano was arrested in 2014 and sentenced to 13 years and four months in prison for acting as an accomplice in a 2013 robbery-homicide. Carlos Alberto Gauna was killed during an attempted carjacking in La Matanza Partido, and Galeano was found guilty of identifying the victim to the perpetrators.

Previous Phone Confiscation and Income Claims

This is not the first time Galeano’s phone has been confiscated. Her device was previously seized in August after she gave an interview discussing her online presence and income. At the time, she claimed to receive product deals and job offers, primarily for advertisements and casinos.

Debate Over Inmate Phone Access

The incident has reignited the debate over inmates’ access to phones and social media. While phone access is permitted in some cases, social media use is strictly prohibited. Following the birthday celebration footage going viral, prison guards searched Galeano’s cell on February 25th and confiscated her phone.

Release Date

Galeano is scheduled to be released from prison on August 31st.

Sources: The Sun, Require To Know, MSN, Del Bosque Radio – Facebook