Former NYC Covid czar's private gatherings during pandemic lockdown

Dr. Varma, who served as a senior public health adviser under Mayor Bill de Blasio, made headlines after being caught on hidden camera discussing his participation in these gatherings while advising the public to limit social interactions. He acknowledged attending three gatherings between August 2020 and June 2021, including a sex party with eight to ten attendees and a large dance party beneath a Wall Street bank. Critics have expressed outrage, calling for investigations and highlighting the perceived double standards in his behavior compared to the restrictions placed on the general public. Varma defended his actions by claiming that the recordings were taken out of context and emphasized his commitment to public health, despite the backlash and comparisons to other political figures who faced similar scrutiny for their pandemic-era actions.

Key Events and Reactions

• Hidden Camera Revelations: Conservative podcaster Steven Crowder released footage of Varma discussing his gatherings, which contradicted the public health directives he was promoting at the time.

• Public Outcry: City officials and residents have criticized Varma’s actions, with calls for investigations into his conduct, particularly regarding the impact on city workers and the public who adhered to strict lockdown measures.

• Defense and Context: Varma’s spokesperson stated that the dance party occurred after he had transitioned to a part-time consultant role, while Varma himself took responsibility for his poor judgment during the pandemic.

Implications for Public Health Policy

The revelations have raised questions about the integrity of public health officials and the policies they enforced. Some city workers, who lost their jobs for refusing to comply with vaccine mandates, are now seeking to have their cases reexamined in light of Varma’s behavior, reflecting broader concerns about accountability and fairness in public health governance during the pandemic.