The mother of Russian content creator Vitaly Zdorovetsky has spoken out following her son’s arrest in the Philippines, saying he meant no harm when he filmed viral videos that many Filipinos found offensive and disturbing.
In a statement, Elena Zdorovetskaia said her son takes responsibility for his actions but urged the public to see the “other side” of him. “I want to be very clear: my son made a mistake, and he takes full responsibility,” she said. “However, he meant no harm and deeply regrets his actions.”
Zdorovetskaia revealed that Vitaly has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which she said contributes to impulsive behavior. She also insisted that their trip to the Philippines had a purpose beyond content creation. “He came with a mission to help those in need,” she noted, claiming they visited places like Smokey Mountain and Boracay to provide “significant financial help” to struggling locals.
“The man behind the headlines is also a man of faith, generosity, and remorse,” she added. “He has already lost his online platform, his only source of income, and his ability to continue supporting our small family—including his 87-year-old grandmother and me.”
Zdorovetsky is currently facing five charges related to harassment and inappropriate behavior caught on video. Among his recorded acts were attempts to kiss a woman without consent, a fake robbery threat, and defying a security guard’s orders to stop filming.
During a press conference, where he held a book titled Following Jesus, Zdorovetsky gave a thumbs up and clapped while Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that the influencer had admitted wrongdoing. “He will not be deported for now, pending the outcome of the cases,” Remulla said.
The vlogger is currently under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration.
