Josh Weiner
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, the controversial Russian-American content creator known for his outrageous pranks and provocative livestreams, is once again embroiled in scandal — this time facing legal charges in the Philippines and a surging petition demanding his permanent removal from all social media platforms.
The uproar began earlier this month when Zdorovetskiy was detained by authorities in the Philippines following a livestream in which he was accused of harassing locals. Among the incidents sparking outrage was a disturbing moment where he offered a woman money and then joked about robbing her when she declined. The footage quickly went viral, prompting thousands to speak out.
Now, an online campaign titled “Ban Vitaly Zdorovetskiy from ALL Social Media for Cyberbullying in the Philippines” is gaining traction. Launched by petition organizer Nikola Navrátil, it has already collected more than 3,300 signatures and is fast approaching its goal of 5,000.
“Vitaly’s behavior is not just tasteless—it’s dangerous,” wrote Navrátil. “This isn’t comedy. This is targeted harassment, humiliation, and digital abuse.”
From ‘Pranks’ to Persecution
Zdorovetskiy has long walked a fine line between comedy and controversy. But critics argue he has crossed that line entirely. During his visit to Boracay, he reportedly berated a local tour guide with crude, sexually explicit language and ignored safety protocols, all while live broadcasting to millions of followers. Worse still, he allegedly encouraged viewers to flood a legitimate local business with false negative reviews, a move seen as a deliberate attempt to damage livelihoods.
“This was not a prank,” the petition states. “It was a calculated campaign of abuse, designed to provoke and destroy.”
The backlash has ignited a broader conversation about the accountability of influencers who use shock value for clicks, particularly when traveling abroad.
Legal Action and a Looming Sentence
On April 2, 2025, formal legal proceedings were initiated by Filipino authorities. According to commentary by YouTuber Atozy and multiple legal experts cited in The Mirror, Zdorovetskiy could face a sentence of up to 24 years in prisondepending on the charges brought forward. He may be detained in the country for several years before a final verdict is even reached.
Adding fuel to the fire, Zdorovetskiy reportedly made inflammatory political remarks during the stream, including a derogatory comment toward a masked woman: “Okay, ’cause you got a COVID mask, you liberal f**k.” He allegedly claimed that Donald Trump might intervene in his defense — a claim widely dismissed as fantasy given the silence from U.S. diplomatic channels.
Fall of a Shock-Star?
Zdorovetskiy, who first gained fame during the 2014 FIFA World Cup after running onto the pitch, has racked up numerous legal incidents over the years. But many believe this may be the final nail in the coffin of his digital career. The petition urges social media platforms including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Kick.com to permanently ban him for violating community standards and promoting cyberbullying.
“We won’t stand by while someone exploits kindness, mocks communities, and weaponizes influence for profit,” the petition closes. “The people of the Philippines—and all those who value dignity—deserve better.”
As public pressure grows and his support dwindles, the once-thriving influencer may be staring down the end of his online presence—and potentially years behind bars in a country that has made it clear: harassment is no joke.
