Bulgarian Influencer Sparks Outrage for Promoting Violence Against Women

A Bulgarian social media influencer is facing intense scrutiny and public backlash after her controversial views on gender roles and violence against women went viral. Zornitsa Gyutsova, who maintains a significant online presence, has been accused of inciting violence and promoting toxic masculinity through her social media platforms and a private Telegram group. The controversy has ignited a national debate about misogyny, domestic violence, and the legal loopholes that allow such content to proliferate.

Content and Controversy

Gyutsova's controversial views are widely disseminated across her social media accounts and within a private Telegram group called “Upstanding Man.” In a video that has since been removed from Bulgarian National Television, Gyutsova argued that gender equality is fundamentally flawed and goes against human nature. She has also made statements suggesting that women are attracted to men who exhibit violent tendencies, claiming, "Women love men who can be violent if need be. That's why they like men who hit them." She further asserted that women should respect a man's physical dominance because they cannot comprehend his intellectual strength.

Within the "Upstanding Man" Telegram group, Gyutsova allegedly instructs men on how to psychologically and physically dominate their partners, offering private video chats for a fee. These teachings have been described as promoting abuse and fostering a dangerous environment for women.

Legal and Social Response

The influencer's statements have triggered widespread condemnation in Bulgaria. Petya Krasteva, a concerned citizen, filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office, citing Gyutsova's promotion of abuse against women, children, and animals. However, the complaint was dismissed because Bulgaria's criminal code does not recognize gender discrimination as a crime. Critics argue that this legal gap allows such toxic content to flourish unchecked.

Activists and organizations dedicated to combating domestic violence have voiced their concerns about the potential impact of Gyutsova's messages. Psychologist Valentina Dimitrova from the Emprove Foundation warns that Bulgaria's passive stance on domestic violence and patriarchal norms enables abusers. Many victims remain silent due to a lack of trust in the justice system.

Following the backlash, Gyutsova's TikTok and Instagram accounts were briefly deactivated but were soon reactivated, raising concerns about the effectiveness of content moderation policies.

Context of Domestic Violence in Bulgaria

The controversy surrounding Gyutsova's statements highlights the broader issue of domestic violence in Bulgaria. According to data collected by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), 82% of domestic violence victims recorded by police in 2022 were women. In the same year, 451 women were recorded as victims of domestic violence out of a total of 550 victims.

A 2025 study showed that 21% of ever-partnered women in Bulgaria have experienced psychological, physical, or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Furthermore, findings from the EU-GBV survey indicate that 9.5% of women in Bulgaria have experienced physical or sexual violence by a domestic perpetrator during adulthood.

In 2022, police recorded 29 women victims of homicide in any relationship. While official statistics on the relationships between women victims of homicide and their perpetrators are unavailable, the data underscores the severity of violence against women in the country.

The Role of Social Media and Influencers

The incident involving Gyutsova raises questions about the responsibility of social media platforms in regulating harmful content. While her accounts were temporarily deactivated, their subsequent reactivation suggests challenges in enforcing content moderation policies effectively.

The reach and influence of social media personalities like Gyutsova can amplify harmful messages, particularly among younger audiences. This incident underscores the need for greater awareness and critical thinking skills among social media users, as well as more robust measures to combat the spread of misogyny and incitement to violence online.

Looking Ahead

The controversy surrounding Zornitsa Gyutsova has brought the issue of violence against women in Bulgaria to the forefront. While legal reforms may be necessary to address gender discrimination and hold perpetrators accountable, the incident also highlights the importance of challenging patriarchal norms and promoting gender equality through education and awareness campaigns.

The actions of individuals like Petya Krasteva, who filed a complaint despite the legal obstacles, demonstrate a growing determination to combat misogyny and protect women from violence. As Bulgaria continues to grapple with these issues, the hope is that this incident will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change and a more just and equitable society.