Why Was EX-NYC Doctor Jay Varma Fired? Exploring Allegations Against 'COVID Czar'

Dr. Jay Varma, the former senior health adviser to ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio, was terminated from his position at SIGA Technologies on September 23, 2024. This choice was made in response to accusations made about his behavior during the COVID-19 epidemic. Varma was fired from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of the pharmaceutical company, effective immediately, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The accusations against Varma surfaced when leaked communications showed that, in the midst of stringent public health measures meant to stop the spread of COVID-19, he had boasted about throwing sex parties and going to an underground dance. Conservative podcaster Steven Crowder made the tapes public, which infuriated the public and municipal authorities greatly.In the conversations, Varma reportedly stated, “I did all this deviant, like sexual stuff,” and mentioned the need to be “kind of sneaky” about his activities, given his role in overseeing the city’s COVID response. These remarks were given in the context of strict regulations, which included a vaccination requirement that was imposed by municipal authorities and oversaw by Varma. Though it came too late, City Councilman Bob Holden denounced Varma's behavior and said that his termination was a positive move in the right way. Holden drew attention to Varma's hypocritical behavior, pointing out that although he and other authorities imposed tough regulations, they also took part in what were referred to as illicit sex parties. At a gathering that was attended by parents and business owners who had suffered because of pandemic restrictions, municipal councilwoman Inna Vernikov reiterated this view and voiced her displeasure at Varma's conduct.The recordings indicated that Varma hosted a sex party with friends in August 2020, during the height of the pandemic, and attended a large rave in June 2021, where he stated, “I love being my authentic self.” According to reports, the parties used narcotics, including MDMA. A person close to Varma said that he organized another event of this nature in November 2020. The consequences of Varma's remarks and deeds echoed across the city. Local company owners, such as Philip Hickey, stated that the epidemic and the limitations put in place by Varma and other municipal authorities had a significant negative influence on their life and means of subsistence. Yiantin Chu and other parents emphasized the emotional toll of extended lockdowns as well as the interruption to their kids' schooling.Varma's source said that he had not broken any laws, but detractors pointed out the clear discrepancy between his behavior and the public health regulations he had upheld. Subsequently, Varma defended himself in a statement, saying the taped talks were edited out of context. While he admitted to going to private events, he also accepted responsibility for using bad judgment at those times.