A recent incident in Boracay involving Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has sparked outrage among locals and netizens alike. Just look what he did in Manila’s BGC.
The YouTube star, known for his controversial pranks, displayed appalling behavior at We Sportz, a local business in Boracay, and took things even further by encouraging his followers to leave fake reviews to destroy the business’s reputation.
It all began when Zdorovetskiy visited the sports facility and refused to wear a safety helmet while engaging in an activity, a safety requirement set by the business.
In response to the staff’s request, Zdorovetskiy not only refused to comply but also proceeded to disrespect the staff, showing little regard for their authority or safety standards.
Encouraging Online Harassment with Fake Reviews
Things escalated when Zdorovetskiy, in a shocking move, took to his livestream to encourage his followers to “destroy” the local business by flooding its Google reviews with fake 1-star ratings.
This act of online harassment didn’t just stop with words; it triggered a wave of fake reviews that have been harming the reputation of We Sportz, which had to defend itself against this baseless attack.
Accountability and Filipino Netizens’ Response
The arrogance displayed by Zdorovetskiy, a popular YouTuber known for his pranks and controversial stunts, is not new.
Back in 2020, Zdorovetskiy found himself behind bars after allegedly assaulting a jogger in Miami Beach during one of his infamous pranks.
While his previous behavior has drawn criticism, his recent actions in Boracay highlight a deep disrespect for local businesses and Filipino culture.
In a post shared by the business owner on social media, the incident was described as “disgusting” and illegal, as the harassment not only targeted the business but also invited hate against hardworking locals.
Filipinos, known for their hospitality and respect, have taken to social media, rallying behind the local business and expressing outrage at Zdorovetskiy’s behavior.
Filipino netizens have already begun calling for his banishment from the country, demanding accountability for his actions.
This latest incident has sparked a broader conversation about the influence of social media stars and their responsibility to use their platforms ethically.
The act of manipulating followers to attack a local business for personal gain is not only unethical but also dangerous for the businesses that are already fighting to stay afloat, especially in a tourist destination like Boracay.
It’s clear that Zdorovetskiy’s antics are no laughing matter, and Filipino netizens are making sure their voices are heard.
A strong push for Filipino netizens to uphold their values and hold influencers accountable is gaining traction, and we’re seeing the power of Filipino cancel culture in full effect.
Maligning businesses with fake reviews is not only a disrespectful act but also an illegal one—and this time, the people of the Philippines are standing up for what’s right.
This incident is a stark reminder of how online platforms can be abused to target innocent businesses and individuals.
With the growing influence of social media, it’s crucial for influencers like Zdorovetskiy to be held accountable for their actions—whether on the streets of Boracay or in the digital world.
It’s time to take a stand against the arrogance and disrespect exhibited by influencers like him.
