Ex-NYC COVID czar's underground sex and drug parties during pandemic

The revelations surfaced through recordings made by conservative podcaster Steven Crowder, in which Varma boasted about attending raves and hosting private gatherings involving illicit substances. He acknowledged the hypocrisy of his actions, admitting that he needed to “blow off steam” while managing the city’s COVID response. Following the release of these videos, Varma was fired from his position at SIGA Technologies, where he served as Chief Medical Officer, and faced significant backlash from public officials and citizens who felt betrayed by his actions during a time of crisis.

Key Points

• Public Health Hypocrisy: Varma’s admissions have raised questions about the integrity of public health officials who imposed strict guidelines while failing to adhere to them themselves.

• Consequences of Actions: His termination from SIGA Technologies and the public outcry reflect a growing demand for accountability among those who enforced COVID-19 policies.

• Context of the Pandemic: Varma’s actions occurred during a period of significant distress for many New Yorkers, as strict lockdown measures were in place to combat the spread of the virus, leading to widespread economic and social disruption.

Public Reaction

The public’s reaction has been largely negative, with many expressing outrage over the apparent double standards exhibited by Varma. Criticism has come from various quarters, including local officials who have condemned his behavior as emblematic of a broader issue of trust in public health leadership during the pandemic.

Varma’s Defense

In response to the backlash, Varma stated that his private conversations were taken out of context and insisted that he did not violate any mandates. He acknowledged his poor judgment but maintained that the events discussed occurred years prior and were not reflective of his overall conduct during the pandemic.