The adage ‘rules for thee, but not for me’ seems to have taken root in the hearts of some government officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent undercover sting operation has exposed the hypocrisy of Dr. Jay Varma, former COVID advisor to the Bill de Blasio administration in New York City.
Varma, a physician executive and epidemiologist, was responsible for guiding the city’s response to the pandemic. He was a prominent figure, appearing regularly alongside Mayor de Blasio at press conferences and advocating for social distancing measures. However, according to recordings obtained by conservative activist Steven Crowder’s Mug Club Undercover, Varma himself engaged in activities that directly contradicted his public pronouncements.
In private conversations captured on tape, Varma described attending underground dance parties during the pandemic, including one held underneath a bank in New York City. He also admitted to hosting a ‘sexy party’ with his wife and friends, where they took Molly (ecstasy/MDMA). Varma, who was responsible for advising the city on COVID-19 safety protocols, seemed unconcerned about the potential health risks associated with these gatherings.
When confronted about his actions, Varma claimed he had been ‘taken out of context’ and targeted by an extremist right-wing organization seeking to undermine public health officials. He defended his role in getting New Yorkers vaccinated but acknowledged that his judgment was not sound during the events in question.
However, many are not buying Varma’s explanation. New York City Councilman Robert Holden has demanded action against Varma, highlighting the hypocrisy of a public health official flouting lockdown rules while advocating for strict measures for the general public. The incident has ignited public anger, highlighting the deep-seated resentment towards government officials who seem to operate by different rules than the citizenry they are supposed to serve.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public office, especially during times of crisis. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of pandemic guidelines when those in positions of power are not held to the same standards as those they govern.
