Russian-American YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, known for his provocative pranks and controversial content, is facing renewed calls for accountability following a livestreamed incident in the Philippines that has sparked widespread outrage. A Change.org petition calling for his permanent ban from all social media platforms has garnered growing support, with signatories from around the world demanding justice for what many are calling a clear case of cyberbullying and harassment.
The petition, titled “Ban Vitaly Zdorovetskiy from ALL Social Media for Cyberbullying in the Philippines,” highlights the events that unfolded during Zdorovetskiy’s recent trip to Boracay. According to witnesses and footage from his own livestream, the vlogger verbally harassed a Filipino instructor with vulgar, degrading sexual remarks and blatantly refused to follow safety protocols that were in place to protect both him and others on the island.
However, it was what came next that has truly ignited global anger: Zdorovetskiy allegedly instructed his millions of followers to leave fake, damaging reviews online to sabotage a legitimate local business. The attack was broadcast live, with the YouTuber encouraging a digital mob to take part in a campaign designed to destroy the establishment’s reputation.
“This isn’t content. This isn’t comedy. This is targeted harassment,” read one of the petition’s top comments. “What happened in the Philippines wasn’t an accident—it was calculated, harmful, and abusive.”
A Pattern of Problematic Behavior
This isn’t the first time Zdorovetskiy has landed in hot water for his behavior. Over the years, he has made headlines for dangerous pranks, public disturbances, and offensive antics. Critics argue that his online fame has come at the expense of human decency and safety, with a growing list of individuals and communities claiming to be harmed by his actions.
The incident in Boracay appears to be the final straw for many. With over 20 signers joining just in the past few days—including supporters from both the Philippines and abroad—momentum is building for tech companies to take action. The petition demands a full and permanent ban from major social media platforms, including YouTube, Kick.com, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
“This isn’t about cancel culture. It’s about accountability,” said one supporter. “If any regular person engaged in this kind of cyber harassment, they’d face legal consequences. Why should a famous YouTuber be any different?”
Petition Demands and Government Pressure
In addition to social media bans, the petition calls for a full travel ban and entry blacklist from the Philippine government, citing Zdorovetskiy’s actions as a direct threat to public safety and dignity.
There are also calls for public condemnation from officials and platform executives to send a clear global message that influencers are not above the law. Supporters argue that unless platforms take a firm stance, they are complicit in enabling creators who weaponize their influence to harm others.
While social media companies have yet to respond publicly, the pressure is mounting. Zdorovetskiy’s actions in Boracay have been picked up by media outlets, sparking conversations around the unchecked power of influencers and the need for stricter digital conduct standards—especially when creators travel and interact with vulnerable or underrepresented communities.
Standing Up for Filipino Values
Many of the petition’s signers expressed outrage at what they see as a violation of Filipino hospitality and values. The Philippines, known for its warm and welcoming culture, has become a popular destination for travel vloggers and content creators—but locals are now demanding greater respect and accountability.
“We welcome visitors with open arms,” said one petition commenter. “But we do not welcome abuse, humiliation, or exploitation. That’s not Filipino hospitality—that’s being taken advantage of.”
As the petition continues to gather signatures, the message is clear: platforms and governments alike must draw a line when it comes to online behavior that crosses into harassment and abuse. For many, the case of Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is not just about one man—it’s about standing up for dignity, respect, and the safety of all communities in the digital age.