Key Takeaways:
– Bill de Blasio, the former New York City Mayor, expressed shock and disgust over the actions of a city official attending parties during lockdowns.
– Jay K. Varma, who was the senior health adviser during de Blasio’s term, has admitted he attended sex and dance parties during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
– Varma acknowledged his poor judgement but claimed that the videos that surfaced were taken out of context.
– de Blasio hopes that Varma will issue an apology, particularly to the residents of New York City.
De Blasio Reacts to COVID Adviser’s Actions
Former New York Mayor, Bill de Blasio, expressed his shock during a recent segment on NewsNation’s show, “The Hill”, regarding the actions of a former city official, Jay K. Varma, who was in charge of COVID-19 management during his term. The official admitted to frequently breaking quarantine protocols by partying while advising city residents to stay home.
“I find it disgusting and unacceptable,” de Blasio stated, highlighting his dismay over the betrayal of public trust by Varma, who despite his extensive medical background, failed to adhere to the very COVID-19 protocols he had been promoting.
Varma’s Admissions and Reactions
Varma, who served as City Hall’s senior health adviser under de Blasio, admitted attending sex and dance parties during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite telling city residents to practice social distancing. This revelation surfaced from a video uncovered by conservative podcaster Steven Crowder. The video showed Varma recounting his experiences attending an underground dance party underneath a bank in Wall Street.
In the video, Varma openly discussed his recreational drug use, admitting to taking molly and wondering if anyone would recognize him considering the event was not “COVID-friendly”. Varma conceded the authenticity of the video to The New York Times, although he claims the recordings were manipulated and taken out of context. The physician confirmed that between August 2020 and June 2021, he attended three parties.
Apology Expected from Varma
During his term as senior health adviser, Varma consistently urged citizens to wear a mask and practice social distancing. He played a crucial role in formulating the city’s vaccine policies. Given his position and his public violations of the guidelines he helped shape, de Blasio expressed his hope that Varma would issue a public apology, especially to the residents of New York City, for his indiscretions.
“It’s painful, it’s unacceptable,” de Blasio re-iterated, sharing his disappointment at the situation. He emphasized that Varma’s apology should extend to his colleagues and, more importantly, to the citizens he was appointed to protect.
Varma has admitted to bad judgement during the height of the pandemic but has yet to issue a formal apology. His actions have incited discussions about public officials upholding the rules and protocols they set, particularly in times of crisis. As this story continues to unfold, the reaction from New York City residents and officials and the potential ramifications for Varma’s professional standing remain to be seen.