The crypto world was hit with a somewhat unusual twist when Ben McKenzie, erstwhile star of “The O.C.” and “Gotham,” shifted gears from being a popular actor to a part-time crypto critic. Identifying the “Hollywoodization of crypto,” McKenzie entered the cryptoverse, aiming critique at popular trends inflated by his actor peers.
His most significant and controversial performance in the crypto world has been the publication of his anti-crypto book, “Easy Money,” co-authored by Jacob Silverman. They strategically launched their critique amidst the pandemic. Before the book, their criticisms were contained in articles where they took digs at popular figures like Kim Kardashian and Floyd Mayweather who, incidentally, were fined by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for their crypto endorsements.
While McKenzie’s take on the industry appears controversial, one cannot dismiss his insights as merely attention-seeking. His statements are based on a partial truth. However, his sweeping generalizations and bold assertions often trigger disbelief. He’s gone as far as qualifying crypto as the “largest Ponzi scheme in history,” asserting that the entire industry is fraudulent and even questioning the concept of private money.
What raises eyebrows further is McKenzie’s previous engagement with the crypto market, where he reportedly lost $250,000 attempting to short the market. His financial gamble, coupled with his non-disclosure, throws into question his authenticity, painting him as the hypocrite he criticizes others of being.
The critical standpoint adopted by McKenzie towards crypto does not negate the potential benefits and actual advancements that crypto offers. Crypto has enabled financial refuge in war zones, sustained websites, funded protests, dissidents, parties, and even benefited artists via NFTs. It has contributed substantially to cryptology and holds the potential to modify climate change responses and ignite government accountability.
However, being blind to its apparent flaws and potential for misuse creates a skewed perspective. The industry’s obsession with “mass adoption” must not cloak the challenges it brings, the risk of scams being major among them. McKenzie’s approach, while seemingly well-intentioned, seems more about building a brand than solving crypto’s problems.
In short, McKenzie’s self-evolved role as a crypto critic seems to fall into a gray area. His sweeping negativity seems to tilt towards the sale of his perspective, rather than a balanced view. While some of his criticisms hold water, they must not overshadow the numerous benefits that the crypto world offers.
Source: Coindesk
