Latest news with #VitalyZdorovetskiy
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy: Russian-American Youtuber jailed in Philippines, globally unwelcome
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy , known to millions as 'VitalyzdTv,' has long been infamous for his outrageous pranks and viral stunts. But in 2025, the Russian-American YouTuber's penchant for controversy reached a breaking point, getting detained in the Philippines, rejected by both Russia and the United States, and facing a future more uncertain than ever. Born in Russia in 1992, Zdorovetskiy moved to the U.S. as a child and rose to fame with prank videos that often pushed the boundaries of legality and taste. His YouTube channel amassed over 10 million subscribers, with content ranging from fake bomb scares to pitch invasions at major sporting events. His early life was marked by odd jobs and even a brief stint in adult entertainment. Crimes and arrests Vitaly Zdorovetskiy's career has been marked by a series of high-profile arrests and criminal charges, both in the United States and abroad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo 2014 FIFA World Cup Final Arrest (Brazil): In July 2014, Zdorovetskiy invaded the field during the FIFA World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina in Brazil. His stunt garnered global media attention and resulted in his arrest by Brazilian authorities for trespassing on the pitch during one of the world's most-watched sporting events. Live Events May 25, 2016 – Hollywood Sign Trespassing: Zdorovetskiy was arrested for trespassing after climbing onto the iconic Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles as part of a video stunt. He spent about an hour vlogging from the sign before being detained by park rangers and released on bail. He faced potential fines and up to six months in county jail for the misdemeanor, as the site is closed to the public and protected by law enforcement. June 10, 2016 – NBA Finals Streaking Arrest: Just weeks later, on June 10, 2016, Zdorovetskiy was arrested again for streaking during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. The high-profile stunt led to his immediate arrest for trespassing and disrupting a major sporting event. 2017 World Series Arrest (Houston, USA): On October 29, 2017, Zdorovetskiy was arrested after running onto the field at Minute Maid Park during Game 5 of the 2017 World Series, shortly after a home run by Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros. He was taken into custody for trespassing and disrupting the game. 2020 – Aggravated Battery Arrest : In 2020, Zdorovetskiy was arrested for aggravated battery in Miami Beach, Florida, following an alleged unprovoked attack on a female jogger. He was booked and released on bond. This incident drew significant media attention and criticism. 2025 – Arrest and Multiple Charges in the Philippines: His most serious legal troubles began in April 2025, when he was arrested in the Philippines after livestreaming a spree of disruptive and criminal acts in Manila's Bonifacio Global City. The charges include: Harassing and attempting to kiss security guards Attempting to grab a security guard's firearm Stealing a patrol motorcycle, an electric fan, and a tricycle Threatening to rob a woman in public Trespassing and recording people without consent Fabricating negative reviews about local businesses Vandalism, unjust vexation, burglary, theft, and alarm and scandal He faces up to 24 years in prison in the Philippines, with five separate charges that could each result in a minimum of five years if convicted. His deportation has been blocked as both Russia and the United States have refused to accept him, leaving him to face trial and potential jail time in the Philippines. Neither Russia nor America will take him The fallout from his actions has been severe. Philippine authorities declared him an 'undesirable foreign national' and sought to deport him, but both Russia and the United States refused to accept him. Russia has reportedly 'disowned' Zdorovetskiy, with officials stressing that he must face justice in the Philippines and warning Russian tourists to respect local laws. Meanwhile, as a U.S. green card holder—not a citizen—the U.S. also declined to intervene or accept his return. 'Our problem is that Russia is not accepting him, neither does the US where he is a green card holder. So we don't know where to send him,' said Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla With no country willing to claim him, Zdorovetskiy remains in detention in Manila, awaiting trial and possible imprisonment.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Russia reportedly disowned Vitaly Zdorovetskiy. What's next for the prankster?
Russian-American YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is facing serious trouble in the Philippines. Following the arrest of a Russian-American prankster, Russia's top diplomat there has suggested Russian tourists follow all Philippine laws. Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlov in Manila during a Victory Day reception said, 'They (Russians) are obliged to be in conformity with the law of the country they are staying in,' per GMA News Online. The 33-year-old prankster, whose YouTube channel has over 10 million subscribers, was arrested in April for harassing Filipinos during his shoot in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. ALSO READ| Vitaly Zdorovetskiy case: Here's what will happen to Russian YouTuber after deportation halt Zdorovetskiy was declared an 'undesirable foreign national' by Philippine immigration authorities and is currently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. His deportation has been delayed as he faces multiple criminal charges, potentially carrying a sentence of up to 24 years in prison if convicted. 'He will remain there for now in the Bureau of Immigration detention facility in Muntinlupa while he awaits his trial here. We will not deport him. He will be held accountable under the law here in the Philippines,' Philippines Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a press statement. He added that while most of the estimated 5,000 Russians living in the Philippines are 'really disciplined,' he hoped others, including diplomats and travellers, would adhere to local rules and customs. Pavlov also stressed that future cases involving Russian nationals should be handled 'discreetly,' saying, 'It should be put and resolved in a quiet manner without so many publicity, that is my view.' ALSO READ| Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faces up to 24 years in Philippines' jail: Will Russia step in to free him? Interestingly, Zdorovetskiy has reportedly not responded to the Russian Embassy's offer of assistance. Pavlov confirmed that embassy officials are coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration regarding his case, but implied that the prankster may be on his own. Pavlov also cautioned, 'We hope that Russian visitors will not face discrimination.' Filipino President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. expressed disappointment in Vitaly's actions, stating the country 'will not tolerate bullying committed by foreigners.'
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
Russia reportedly disowns Vitaly after controversial 'pranks' in the Philippines
(Image via Getty Images) Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is once again at the center of chaos, this time, not for a prank, but for a full-blown international incident. Arrested in the Philippines and accused of multiple offenses, his antics have triggered more than public outrage. Rumors are now swirling that even his home country, Russia, has decided to cut ties. Let's break down what's actually happening and what's just social media noise. Russia Disowned Vitaly.. The Arrest That Sparked It All Vitaly was taken into custody on April 3 at a hotel in Pasay City, Philippines. Authorities declared him an "undesirable" foreign national following several controversial incidents caught on livestream. These videos reportedly show him harassing Filipinos in public places—behavior that didn't sit well with either the public or the government. He now faces charges ranging from unjust vexation to attempted theft. The Philippine Interior Secretary, Jonvic Remulla, made it clear: Vitaly won't be deported just yet. He'll remain detained at a Bureau of Immigration facility while awaiting trial. What Are the Charges? Vitaly's usual online persona revolves around edgy pranks and shock value, but officials in the Philippines aren't laughing. His livestreams, seen by thousands, allegedly featured acts of harassment and public disturbances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo These stunts have led to formal criminal charges, and authorities are also hunting down his cameraman, suspected to be a Filipino national. In Remulla's words: 'The time when foreigners could just disrespect Filipinos is over.' Has Russia Really Disowned Him? Following the arrest, X (formerly Twitter) lit up with claims that Russia has "disowned" the controversial content creator. Some posts even mockingly called on the U.S. to follow suit. But here's the thing: There's no official confirmation. No government statement. No diplomatic note. Just a string of unverified social media posts fueling the fire. Still, the silence from Russian authorities is deafening. No statements of support. No calls for consular access. Nothing. Whether that's deliberate distancing or simple caution remains up for debate. What Happens Next? Vitaly's future looks bleak. A conviction in the Philippines could lead to serious jail time, reportedly up to 24 years. That's a far cry from the viral fame he's used to. Meanwhile, the online world remains divided. Some fans are defending him, saying his pranks are being taken out of context. Others believe this was long overdue. One thing's for sure—Vitaly is no longer just an internet troublemaker. He's a cautionary tale about crossing the line in a country that isn't yours. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Has Russia 'disowned' Vitaly Zdorovetskiy? Latest rumors as YouTuber faces jail term in Philippines
Days after Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was arrested in the Philippines, online rumors have claimed that Russia has 'disowned' him. Zdorovetskiy's deportation has been delayed as he faces several criminal charges. On April 3, he was taken into custody at a hotel in Pasay City after an order was issued declaring him an 'undesirable" foreign national. Unconfirmed social media posts have claimed that Russia is distancing itself from the vlogger, and has 'disowned him. However, these are only rumors, and it has not been confirmed officially. One X post reads, 'Breaking news Russia has disowned Vitaly Zdorovetskiy. America better follow suit don't let Russia beat us Donald Trump'. 'Russia distances itself from Vitaly Zdorovetskiy after his arrest in PH for harassment & law-breaking stunts. 24-year prison sentence possible,' says another post. According to Philippines Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Zdorovetskiy was taken into custody for alleged acts he committed during his stay. Some of these were reportedly captured on video and circulated online. 'He will remain there for now in the Bureau of Immigration detention facility in Muntinlupa while he awaits his trial here. We will not deport him. He will be held accountable under the law here in the Philippines,"Remulla said. Zdorovetskiy is now facing charges including unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, and attempted theft. He has been accused of harassing Filipino citizens in public spaces during his livestreams. 'The time when foreigners could just disrespect Filipinos is over. This is an example that we are serious, in our own country. We will not let them belittle us,' Remulla said, according to 'Zdorovetskiy will undergo a tactical interrogation so that we can get the identity of his cameramen. The cameraman, whom I think is Filipino, will also face charges because he is involved in the commission of a crime. We are still searching for the cameraman," Remulla added.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faces up to 24 years in Philippines' jail: Will Russia step in to free him?
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, the Russian prankster who was arrested in the Philippines on 2 April, is now staring down the barrel of a 24-year prison sentence, and, if enforced, could see the internet's Russian internet personality locked away until his late 50s, per Daily Mail. Russian prankster Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faces a 24-year sentence in the Philippines for various offenses, including harassment and unauthorized filming.(X/DILG) Vitaly built his brand on outrageous stunts, such as streaking at the NBA Finals, climbing the Hollywood sign, and even interrupting the 2022 World Cup. ALSO READ| When will Vitaly Zdorovetskiy be released from Filipino prison? Breaking down what's happening with Russian YouTuber Vitaly's latest antics in Manila's upscale Bonifacio Global City have finally crossed a line During a Kick livestream, he allegedly harassed security guards, attempted to kiss one, tried grabbing an officer's firearm, and filmed without permits. 'Vitaly engaged in multiple disruptive and inappropriate acts, including attempting to kiss and grab him (the security guard), trying to seize his service firearm, taking pictures of him without consent, mocking other security guards, and vlogging without a permit in BGC,' Philippines Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated sternly during a press conference. Unlike the US, where Vitaly often escaped with fines or short detentions, the Philippines treats such offences with far greater severity. Public disorder, harassment, and attempting to disarm an officer are no jokes here, and with no court date set yet, his future hangs in the balance. Notably, this isn't Vitaly's first brush with foreign law, he once spent five days in an Egyptian jail for climbing the Pyramids of Giza. But 24 years? That's a life sentence by any measure. What the Kremlin can do in Vitaly Zdorovetskiy case Born in Russia but raised in the US from age 14, Vitaly holds dual citizenship. The question now: Will Moscow intervene? Russia has a history of aggressively protecting its citizens abroad, even controversial ones, like Brittney Griner's prisoner swap, and RT journalists detained abroad. But Zdorovetskiy isn't a political prisoner; he's a troublemaker who may have finally out-pranked himself. ALSO READ| Vitaly Zdorovetskiy case: Here's what will happen to Russian YouTuber after deportation halt And also with dual citizenship, it further weakens Moscow's chance to intervene. Will the US help? Although the Philippines has stronger ties with the US, it's very unlikely Washington will go out of its way.
