Controversy is swirling around Dr. Jay Varma, the former COVID Czar who led New York City’s pandemic response under Mayor Bill de Blasio, following allegations that he attended underground sex parties and used drugs while the city was under strict lockdown. In a secretly recorded video posted on social media, Varma is heard admitting to sneaking out during the lockdown to attend underground dance parties, rent hotel rooms, and engage in what he describes as “deviant sexual stuff” with friends.
The video, reportedly filmed in a restaurant, has ignited outrage, with many questioning the ethics of the city’s top COVID official engaging in reckless behavior while the public was subjected to strict safety measures to curb the virus’s spread. Varma, who is now the Chief Medical Advisor for a pharmaceutical company, appears in the video acknowledging that New Yorkers “would have been pissed” if they knew about his activities at the time.
City Councilman Calls for Investigation
New York City Councilman Robert Holden is calling for a full investigation into the allegations, arguing that the public deserves to know the truth about the conduct of those who were entrusted with managing the city’s pandemic response. Holden stated, “The hypocrisy of someone in a position of authority violating the very lockdown measures they were enforcing on the public is astounding. We need to get to the bottom of this.”
Holden has officially requested that the New York City Department of Investigation launch a probe into Varma’s conduct during his time as the city’s COVID Czar. The Councilman added that these allegations, if proven true, would represent a grave violation of public trust.
The Alleged Secret Life of Dr. Jay Varma
Dr. Jay Varma was one of the most visible faces of New York City’s pandemic response, tasked with coordinating the city’s strategy to control the spread of COVID-19. As lockdown measures tightened in early 2020, Varma frequently appeared alongside Mayor de Blasio in press briefings, advocating for social distancing, mask mandates, and business closures to keep the virus at bay.
However, the newly surfaced video paints a very different picture of Varma’s personal behavior during that same period. In the recording, Varma describes attending drug-fueled parties, specifically mentioning the use of molly, a form of MDMA, and renting hotels for sexual encounters while much of the city was under strict lockdown measures. His comments have sparked outrage, as thousands of New Yorkers faced the harsh realities of isolation, business closures, and economic hardships during the pandemic’s peak.
While the video’s authenticity has not been independently verified, the allegations have already drawn significant attention. Critics are pointing to the video as a stark example of the disconnect between those in power and the public, many of whom complied with lockdown measures even at great personal and financial cost.
Public Response and Political Fallout
The leaked video has fueled public anger, with many New Yorkers expressing frustration and dismay over the apparent double standard. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, as some call for Varma’s resignation from his current role and demand accountability for his actions.
Several advocacy groups have also chimed in, arguing that Varma’s alleged behavior undermines public health efforts and the sacrifices made by frontline workers and ordinary citizens during the height of the pandemic. “It’s a slap in the face to every essential worker who risked their lives while following the very guidelines Varma helped enforce,” said one public health advocate.
For now, Varma has not publicly responded to the allegations. The pharmaceutical company where he serves as Chief Medical Advisor has also not issued a statement.
Next Steps in the Investigation
With Councilman Holden leading the charge, the pressure is mounting for city officials to take swift action. The New York City Department of Investigation is expected to weigh the call for a probe, though no official investigation has been announced as of yet. If the investigation moves forward, Varma could face serious repercussions, both legally and professionally.
Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams has not yet commented on the scandal but is likely to face questions about how his administration plans to handle the fallout. The incident comes at a time when New York is still recovering from the pandemic’s devastating impacts, making this latest controversy particularly sensitive.
As the story continues to develop, many are left questioning the integrity of those who held power during one of the most challenging periods in the city’s history.
