Aida Victoria Merlano transformed from the daughter of a fugitive politician into one of Colombia's most prominent digital creators, amassing over 9 million Instagram followers while facing a 13-year prison sentence for aiding her mother's dramatic 2019 escape from custody.
Profile and Early Life
Aida Victoria Merlano Manzaneda was born on 21 April 1999 in Barranquilla, Colombia, to José Antonio Manzaneda Vergara, a tax specialist and businessman, and Aída Merlano Rebolledo, a former Colombian senator. She has one younger brother, Esteban Merlano. Originally named Karolyne Manzaneda Merlano, she legally changed her name to Aída Victoria Merlano Manzaneda in early 2019 to honor her mother.
Educational Background
Merlano studied law for six semesters at Universidad Libre de Barranquilla before completing two semesters of psychology. She also earned diplomas in sexuality and human rights. During an Instagram Live Q&A in January 2021, she explained her decision to pause her studies, saying, 'I completed six semesters of law, two of psychology, a diploma in sexuality, and another in human rights. The thing is, for now, I don't expect to finish any degree right now, but I do in the future.' Her long-term goal is to become a psychosexual therapist.
Career as a Digital Creator
Rather than retreat from the spotlight after her mother's escape, Merlano built a massive online presence. As of 2026, she has over 9 million Instagram followers, more than 3.5 million on TikTok, over 2.5 million on Facebook, and over 381,000 on X. Her content focuses on relationships, emotional independence, personal development, fashion, and daily life. She has expanded into commercial modeling, digital entrepreneurship, and interactive streaming.
Reflecting on the legal challenges, Merlano said in a restricted Instagram video reported by VICE in October 2021: 'Despite getting up every day knowing that I can go to jail for 21 years, I am happy because I have the conviction that happiness is a decision that one makes every day. Be happy today because you do not know what will happen tomorrow.'
Personal Life and Relationships
Merlano is currently single. She was previously in a high-profile relationship with Colombian entrepreneur and digital creator Juan David Tejada, known online as El Agropecuario. In January 2025, Tejada revealed during an Instagram Q&A that the couple had married in a private Indigenous ceremony, stating, 'We got married in an Indigenous ceremony months ago. We didn't say anything because people criticize everything.' The marriage was short-lived. Their son, Emiliano, was born on 29 July 2025, but they separated three days later.
Merlano addressed the split on Instagram Stories in September 2025, as reported by Semana: 'There's no statement to make. I simply separated and matured enough not to want to make my breakup a media circus.' She added, 'On the other hand, I had only been postpartum for 3 days when I made the decision, so I wanted to get out of my postpartum period and feel like myself again to announce it, because I didn't want the controversy and noise to damage my motherhood, and I think I succeeded because Emi and I spent those weeks, which are so hard and difficult, very full of love and away from the chaos.'
Before Tejada, Merlano was in an on-and-off relationship with Colombian streamer Westcol (Luis Villa), which she described as one of the most painful breakups of her life.
Legal Troubles
Merlano's life remains tied to the legal consequences of her mother's 2019 escape. Colombian prosecutors said that Merlano, then 19, and her 17-year-old brother played key roles in the escape from a dental office in Bogotá. They allegedly distracted the prison guard and smuggled in tools, including a cell phone and a red climbing rope hidden in her brother's backpack. In March 2024, the Superior Tribunal of Bogotá increased her sentence from house arrest to 13 years and 8 months in prison, without the option of home detention. Her legal team appealed to the Supreme Court of Justice, and she remains free pending the final decision.
During a May 2025 interview with Diva Rebeca while expecting her first child, Merlano shared her perspective: 'Imagine if in a month, two months, or a year I have to go to jail. Imagine if my last days of freedom were spent in fear of going to jail, and I couldn't enjoy them. If I'm afraid now, I'd live tormented. I can't change my circumstances, but I can change the fear with which I face them. I want to be happy and for my days to be worthwhile. Whatever God wills, happens.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Aida Victoria Merlano? She is a Colombian digital content creator, social media influencer, and streamer.
What is Aida Victoria Merlano's age? She is 27 years old as of 2026, born on 21 April 1999.
What is Aida Victoria Merlano known for? She gained public attention after her mother's 2019 escape and became a leading Colombian digital creator.
Who are Aida Victoria Merlano's parents? Her parents are José Antonio Manzaneda Vergara and Aída Merlano Rebolledo.
Is Aida Victoria Merlano married or single? She is currently single after separating from Juan David Tejada.
Does Aida Victoria Merlano have children? She has a son named Emiliano.
What is Aida Victoria Merlano's height? She is 5 feet 5 inches (165 centimetres) tall.
