In a stunning revelation, former New York City COVID-19 czar Dr. Jay Varma, who guided the city’s pandemic response, has been caught on hidden camera discussing his attendance at drug-fueled sex parties during the height of the pandemic. The videos, released Thursday, come from secretly recorded conversations with an undercover operative from conservative commentator Steven Crowder’s “Mug Club.”
The footage, which has now gone viral, shows Dr. Varma speaking about hosting orgies with his wife and attending underground dance parties with over 200 people while the city was under strict lockdown measures. These revelations have sparked outrage, with many pointing out the hypocrisy of Varma’s actions while New York City’s public health measures limited social gatherings and promoted isolation.
“I had to be kind of sneaky about it… because I was running the entire COVID response in the city,” Varma says in one of the clips, acknowledging the nature of his clandestine activities.
The news shocked many, given Dr. Varma’s public image as a key figure in New York’s fight against COVID-19. He advised then-Mayor Bill de Blasio on implementing policies to prevent the spread of the virus, including mask mandates and social distancing rules. Many residents followed these guidelines diligently, making Varma’s behind-the-scenes behavior appear egregious.
Varma, however, claims that his statements were taken out of context, but he did not outright deny attending the parties. In a statement issued shortly after the video’s release, Varma said, “I made some careless comments. While I attended gatherings, they were private and safe, and the portrayal in these videos is misleading.”
The Fallout
The video’s release has sparked online outrage, with the hashtag #COVIDHypocrisy trending across social media. Many have taken to Twitter and Instagram, expressing their frustration at the apparent double standard set by public officials during the pandemic. Other hashtags, such as #PartyCzar and #LockdownLies, have also gained traction as the video continues circulating.
Social media users have expressed anger at Varma’s actions and what they perceive as a broader pattern of pandemic hypocrisy among public officials. Some referenced similar scandals involving politicians and public figures who violated the guidelines they urged the public to follow.
Potential Legal Ramifications
While it remains unclear whether Varma will face legal consequences, the videos have raised questions about the accountability of public officials during the pandemic. The footage could further scrutinize Varma’s actions during his tenure as New York City’s COVID czar.
As the story unfolds, the former health advisor’s reputation may be irreparably damaged, leaving many to wonder how widespread such behavior might have been among other public figures during the pandemic.
