Those who would rule over you: Former NYC health advisor admits he went to sex parties at height of COVID pandemic

LOCAL NEWS

Former NYC health advisor admits he went to sex parties at height of COVID pandemic

By Marcia Kramer

Updated on: September 21, 2024 / 8:50 AM EDT / CBS New York

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/dr-jay-varma-nyc-health-advisor-sex-parties-pandemic/

NEW YORK — Dr. Jay Varma, New York City's former senior health advisor, admitted he ignored the COVID-19 policies he insisted New Yorkers follow during the pandemic. 

A New York City Council member wants Varma investigated after he said he attended sex parties and a dance party at the height of the outbreak, even as he told New Yorkers to stay away from others to stop the spread of coronavirus. 

Varma's admission came after a heavily edited video surfaced. 

Dr. Jay Varma says he was "targeted" in hidden video

While Varma wanted New Yorkers to be strict about social distancing, he's now admitting that he wasn't. The mea culpa came after he was caught on hidden video posted by conservative podcaster Steven Crowder.

A spokesman for Varma told CBS News New York that while he held the city post, he and his wife held two sex parties in a hotel with friends – one in August 2020, the other in November 2020.