Fans of Russian YouTuber and internet personality Vitaly Zdorovetskiy are sounding the alarm after a recent photo surfaced online showing him with severe weight loss while in detention in the Philippines. Once known for his muscular physique and high-energy pranks, Zdorovetskiy now looks frail and unrecognizable — prompting many to question the conditions of his imprisonment and his overall well-being.
The image, which circulated on X (formerly Twitter), includes a side-by-side comparison of the YouTuber before and after his arrest. In the recent photo, he appears gaunt and visibly thinner, with some users saying he looks like a “completely different person.” The contrast is especially stark given that Zdorovetskiy previously maintained a bodybuilder-like appearance and was often seen shirtless in his videos, flaunting his physique.
“Yeah, that’s not good,” one user commented. Another added, “He went from being on steroids to barely being on breakfast.” The image has triggered an outpouring of concern online, with fans and even casual followers expressing alarm over what appears to be a dramatic transformation in just a few weeks.
The Arrest and Charges
Zdorovetskiy was arrested on April 3, 2025, at a hotel in Pasay City, Philippines, following an order from immigration authorities that labeled him an “undesirable” foreign national. The popular content creator, who rose to fame through viral prank videos and social media stunts, now faces multiple criminal charges including unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, and attempted theft — all stemming from disruptive behavior during livestreams and video recordings in public spaces.
Authorities allege that Zdorovetskiy harassed several Filipino citizens during these livestreams, with videos circulating online that reportedly show confrontational or inappropriate interactions. According to the Philippine Department of the Interior, these videos played a role in building the case against him.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Zdorovetskiy will remain in custody at the Bureau of Immigration detention facility in Muntinlupa while he awaits trial. “We will not deport him. He will be held accountable under the law here in the Philippines,” Remulla said in an earlier statement.
Fan Reactions and Growing Anxiety
Many fans who have followed Zdorovetskiy’s career since his early days on YouTube — where he became famous for shocking pranks and even more controversial behavior — are now worried for his mental and physical health.
“This is getting crazy. Someone put in a call to @SecRubio,” one user tweeted, tagging a U.S. senator in a plea for political intervention. Another commented, “Jail food leans ya out apparently,” while others were less sarcastic and more genuinely distressed, writing things like “He needs help” and “We shouldn’t ignore what’s happening to him.”
Though Zdorovetskiy has always been a polarizing figure — frequently walking the line between edgy humor and outright provocation — even some of his critics are acknowledging that his current condition appears dire.
Detention Conditions Under Scrutiny
The sharp decline in Zdorovetskiy’s physical appearance has also reignited conversations about the conditions inside detention centers in the Philippines. While there has been no official report of abuse or mistreatment, the stark image has many questioning whether his health is being properly monitored or if he’s receiving adequate nutrition and medical attention.
Given that Zdorovetskiy is not yet on trial and has not been convicted, fans argue he should be treated with basic human rights standards, especially regarding health and wellness. Some are also calling for clearer updates from either the Russian consulate or international watchdogs.
What Comes Next?
With no confirmed trial date, it remains unclear how long Zdorovetskiy will remain in custody. His legal team has not released any public statements in recent weeks, and Zdorovetskiy himself has been unable to address his followers directly.
For now, fans are left with a haunting image and many unanswered questions. Whether the concern online will lead to action — from legal authorities, international groups, or fellow influencers — remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the once-larger-than-life persona of Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has now taken on a very different tone — one marked by fragility, uncertainty, and growing public concern.