MANILA, Philippines — American doctor and content creator Mikhail “Doc Mike” Varshavski recalled the intense scrutiny surrounding his brief romance with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, describing the environment around the beauty queen’s reign as “very toxic.”
Varshavski discussed his past with Wurtzbach while interviewing Filipino-Canadian nurse and content creator John dela Cruz, known as Nurse John, on his YouTube channel. They were discussing the Filipino community’s support for compatriots who achieve success abroad and the pressure that often accompanies that support.
Varshavski said his relationship with Wurtzbach gave him firsthand exposure to Filipino culture and pageant fandom.
“You probably don’t know but I should share some of my history. I dated Pia Wurtzbach at the peak of her career,” Varshavski said.
He said the experience made him feel partly Filipino because he became immersed in the culture surrounding Wurtzbach.
The conversation turned to the scrutiny Wurtzbach faced during her Miss Universe reign. Varshavski agreed when Nurse John described the pressure placed on Filipino personalities to represent the country while facing intense public criticism.
“I remember… [it was] very toxic,” Varshavski said.
Nurse John said Filipino audiences can strongly support their compatriots but can also scrutinize them when they believe the person has failed to meet expectations.
“It’s almost to the fact that you are canceling this person who is trying her best to represent our country because she is not doing what you think, or expect her to do. Which to me is crazy,” Nurse John said.
Varshavski and Nurse John had been discussing how Filipinos often celebrate the success of fellow Filipinos abroad. Varshavski said such support can differ from cultures where people may respond to another person’s success with jealousy or resentment.
Nurse John agreed but said Filipino achievers also face pressure to perform well because people closely watch their actions.
The discussion resurfaced Varshavski’s connection with Wurtzbach, whom he met at a gathering in New York in February 2016, several months after she won the Miss Universe crown.
Photos and videos of the pair circulated online after their meeting, prompting speculation about their relationship.
In March 2016, Wurtzbach addressed the rumors during a Facebook Live session and denied that she was dating anyone, pointing to her Miss Universe sash and saying, “this is the priority.”
A month later, Wurtzbach confirmed in a television interview that she was dating Varshavski.
Varshavski had already gained a large following online as “Dr. Mike” and had worked in health promotion and charity initiatives.
It remains unclear how long their relationship lasted or what led to their breakup.
Wurtzbach later married Scottish-Colombian businessman and content creator Jeremy Jauncey. The couple now lives in Dubai.
