Overview

• Jay Varma, former senior health adviser under Mayor Bill de Blasio, admitted to attending sex and dance parties during the height of the pandemic.
• Varma's actions were revealed through secretly recorded conversations released by conservative podcaster Steven Crowder.
• Varma defended his behavior by stating the recordings were 'spliced, diced, and taken out of context,' but acknowledged poor judgment.
• Public backlash has been significant, with NYC lawmakers calling for an investigation into Varma and his associates.
• Varma was instrumental in crafting and promoting New York City's strict vaccine and social distancing policies during his tenure.