Ben McKenzie, known for his role in “The O.C.,” recently spoke out against celebrities selling digital currencies. In an interview on TMZ Live, McKenzie expressed his belief that celebrities should stick to their usual endorsements, such as overpriced water, instead of promoting cryptocurrencies that can potentially lead people to financial ruin.
The conversation stemmed from the massive advertising campaign during the Super Bowl and beyond, where countless celebrities endorsed various cryptocurrencies. However, shortly after, the market crashed, leaving many investors with significant losses. Matt Damon, one of the celebrities featured in these ads, faced criticism for his involvement in promoting cryptocurrencies.
McKenzie, who has written a book called “Easy Money” about the rise and fall of crypto, has strong opinions on the matter. He argues that celebrities should refrain from giving financial advice as they are not licensed financial advisors. Additionally, McKenzie believes that Hollywood’s involvement in the crypto industry contributed to what he considers the largest Ponzi scheme in history.
According to McKenzie, the key difference between cryptocurrencies and traditional investments is the lack of regulation in the crypto market. This lack of oversight, combined with celebrities’ endorsement of these currencies, created a breeding ground for fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Many people lost money during the crypto boom and subsequent crash, leading to lawsuits against both celebrities and the companies behind these cryptocurrencies.
McKenzie’s concerns about the negative impact of celebrity endorsements on the crypto market led him to take the issue to Congress. He is advocating for greater regulation and transparency to protect investors from potential scams. Furthermore, McKenzie hopes to raise awareness about the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments through his book.
While McKenzie acknowledges that celebrities have a significant influence on their supporters, he believes they should utilize their platform responsibly. Instead of endorsing cryptocurrencies, he suggests celebrities focus on promoting products like car insurance, soap, and water, which have tangible benefits and are less likely to lead to financial harm.
In conclusion, McKenzie is outspoken about his concerns regarding celebrities selling digital currencies. He argues that the unregulated nature of the crypto market, combined with celebrities’ lack of financial expertise, creates a dangerous environment for investors. Through his book and advocacy efforts, McKenzie aims to shed light on the potential risks associated with cryptocurrency investments and push for stricter regulations in the industry.