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▲ Virtual asset, documentary/AI generated image
Stuart Alderoty, Chief Legal Officer (CLO) of Ripple (XRP), strongly criticized an anti-cryptocurrency documentary directed by Hollywood star Ben McKenzie, speaking on behalf of the industry.
According to U.Today, a virtual asset specialized media outlet, on April 17 (local time), Alderoty pointed out that McKenzie's recently released documentary 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' portrayed the virtual asset industry as excessively skeptical and biased. He dismissed the documentary as "nothing more than a trite narrative that only portrays the entire industry in a negative light."
Ben McKenzie, well-known as the star of the drama 'The O.C.', has been active as a cryptocurrency skeptic since 2020. He began criticizing cryptocurrencies during the 2021 bull market, questioning the aggressive promotional tactics of celebrities like Matt Damon and Floyd Mayweather. The documentary features interviews with crypto pessimists, investors who lost their entire fortunes, and former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried before his bankruptcy, depicting virtual assets as a structure dependent on blind faith.
Alderoty directly refuted this negative framing via X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized, "Tens of millions of ordinary Americans are already using cryptocurrencies in practical ways, such as diversifying income, operating businesses, and accessing new financial opportunities." He argued that director McKenzie was unfairly condemning the entire cryptocurrency market with an unfair standard, ignoring the positive aspects of the industry.
The National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) also supported Alderoty's remarks. The association emphasized that accountability is clear because all blockchain transactions leave permanent and traceable records. They explained that the technical characteristic of transparent data records is, in fact, key to consumer protection and trust building.
Alderoty's remarks are interpreted as a strong warning from the industry against the one-sided criticisms leveled by Hollywood celebrities against the virtual asset industry. As the virtual asset ecosystem matures, efforts continue to prove the practical validity of the technology. Major companies, including Ripple, emphasize that virtual assets are settling in as a core infrastructure for the future financial system, beyond being mere speculative tools.
*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for any investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*
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