A French TikToker is under police investigation after throwing an ice ball from a ski lift on 28 February, striking a 61-year-old man who was dining at a resort in Alpe d’Huez.
The video recording of the incident quickly gained millions of views online, but what started as a prank has now become a criminal matter.
Innocent Meal Turns Dangerous
The ice ball struck the grandfather, who was dining with his granddaughter on a restaurant terrace below the ski lift, shattering his glasses and leaving him with minor injuries. While he did not require hospital treatment, he reported the incident to police, saying it could have been far worse.
Sata, the company managing the ski resort, has also filed a complaint, calling the act reckless and dangerous.
“Throwing an ice ball from that height is like dropping a rock from a bridge onto a motorway,” said Fabrice Boutet, the resort’s managing director.
TikToker Identified Through Ski Pass
Authorities tracked down the TikToker using ski pass records. The young man, an influencer from Paris, admitted to throwing the ice ball but insisted he had not meant to hit anyone, saying he aimed for the table instead.
Under French law, the incident is being investigated as ‘intentional violence with the use of a weapon,’ with the ice ball being considered a weapon due to the potential harm it could cause.
If convicted, the TikToker could face up to three years in prison.
Resort Condemns Reckless Behavior
Alpe d’Huez, a well-known family-friendly ski resort, has spoken out against dangerous stunts performed for social media attention.
“This behavior puts people at risk and will not be tolerated,” Boutet said. He then expressed his wish for everyone to enjoy the mountains safely.
Serious Consequences for Social Media Stunts
The case raises concerns about influencers engaging in risky behavior for viral content. What may seem like a harmless prank can have real-world consequences, as the TikToker from this incident may soon learn.
As the investigation continues, authorities are determining whether the act was intentional. In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of chasing online fame.
Watch the video here:
@thesun Shock moment ski lout hurls snowball at elderly man’s head from chairlift for sick TikTok stunt as he faces jail. #jail
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