Ben McKenzie Takes a Stand Against Cryptocurrency
Ben McKenzie, the actor best known for his role as Ryan Atwood in the iconic series The O.C., is venturing into the realm of cryptocurrency critique, using the platform of mainstream television to voice his concerns. Recently, he appeared on The Daily Show, where he condemned Bitcoin and discussed his latest documentary, titled “Everyone Is Lying to You for Money.”
Critique of the Crypto Industry
With a background in economics, McKenzie has dedicated significant time to exploring the complexities and controversies of the crypto industry, prompted by his discontent with the pervasive endorsements from celebrities. During his appearance, he critiqued the notion that human interaction in finance can simply be replaced by technology, stating emphatically:
“Code does not fall from the sky. People write code.”
He pointed to a revealing moment in his past interview with FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried, where a single line of code was altered, allowing Bankman-Fried to use customer funds, which he claims highlights a critical misconception regarding trust in automated systems.
Concerns About Bitcoin and Regulation
McKenzie did not hold back in his assessment of Bitcoin, declaring it a landscape mired in deceit:
“Bitcoin is full of lies. It’s full of misinformation. It’s also full of criminals.”
His documentary also sheds light on the plight of victims affected by failures of crypto exchanges, such as Celsius, emphasizing how the industry preys on the vulnerabilities and social pressures faced by young men. He referenced a well-known advertisement featuring Matt Damon, lamenting how young individuals are bombarded with messages encouraging crypto investment under the guise of masculinity, with phrases suggesting that failing to do so makes one weak.
The actor criticized the crypto ecosystem for its lack of adequate regulation, claiming:
“The neatest trick of crypto, the cruelest trick, is to turn the blame back on the mark themselves.”
McKenzie expressed a genuine concern for the welfare of those involved in cryptocurrency, suggesting that the industry has failed to protect its participants. He concluded his statements by advocating for proper regulatory measures and underscoring the need for accountability:
“I am simply asking for it to be regulated properly. And I’m also asking politely for the criminals to go to jail.”
