Crypto Influencers Hit by Another FTX Lawsuit

A new class-action lawsuit alleges crypto influencers, including Ben Armstrong, aka BitBoy, promoted FTX without disclosing compensation.

The lawsuit also alleges the defendants replaced YouTube clips promoting former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried with videos apologizing for their endorsements of both the exchange and Bankman-Fried.

Crypto Influencers Hide Behind Language, Says Lawyer

Adam Moskowitz will represent U.S. and non-U.S. plaintiffs in a class-action suit against Armstrong, Erika Kullbergm, and Kevin Paffrath.

The lawsuit adds to a growing list of cases against celebrities who promoted FTX. Some influencers earned money from trades on FTX by customers they referred.

Crypto podcaster Anthony Pompliano promoted the exchange in 2022, while Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary reportedly would have received $15 million for promoting the now-defunct exchange.

In the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission has well-worn rules that compel securities promoters to disclose conflicts of interest. They must reveal the nature, amount, and source of their remuneration.

The SEC charged TV celebrity Kim Kardashian $1.26 million in 2022 for unlawfully promoting a crypto asset.

In the U.S., influencers often try to evade disclosures by arguing that the assets they promote are not securities, opined a partner at law firm Lowenstein Sandler LLP.

The upcoming EU Markets-in-Crypto-Assets bill will charge promoters who don’t disclose compensation with market manipulation.

While it is unclear whether the BitBoy and other influencers’ endorsement contracts are still in force, several FTX promotional contracts have either been altered or terminated since the exchange’s bankruptcy.

Miami-Dade county removed the company’s logo from its Miami Heat basketball arena shortly after FTX filed for bankruptcy in Nov. 2022. According to its contract with the County, FTX needs to pay three years’ fees, which Coindesk estimated at $16.5 million.

Formula 1 team Mercedes removed FTX’s logo from its cars and driver livery shortly after the bankruptcy filing. Major League Baseball umpires will not wear an FTX patch on their uniforms for the 2023 season.

Alameda CEO Compensation Pales Compared to SBF

In other FTX news, a recent court filing in FTX revealed that the former CEO of FTX affiliate Alameda Research Caroline Ellison, received $6 million in payments and loans primarily from the firm she oversaw. Alameda Research was a market maker for FTX.

According to the filing, her compensation paled compared to those of her male counterparts within FTX’s group of companies.

Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried received $2.2 billion from Alameda, while the company’s previous director of engineering Nishad Singh received $587 million. Former CTO Gary Wang was reportedly paid $246 million.

Ellison, Wang, and Singh had pleaded guilty to charges related to an alleged fraud carried out by Sam Bankman-Fried before FTX filed for bankruptcy. Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to twelve fraud, money laundering, and campaign finance violation charges. He is currently out on a recognizance bond secured by his parent’s home.

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