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Investigator Coffeezilla Probes MrBeast Over Crypto Controversy

source-logo  beincrypto.com 15 November 2024 13:03, UTC

YouTube investigative journalist Coffeezilla, known for his deep dives into influencer-driven scams and questionable financial schemes, released a detailed video examining MrBeast’s alleged involvement in cryptocurrency ventures.

In the exposé, Coffeezilla scrutinizes MrBeast’s financial gains from crypto investments. He confronts serious accusations of insider trading and exploitation of his public platform for profit. However, MrBeast’s team reportedly declined to provide detailed comments, instead issuing a carefully worded legal statement.

Coffeezilla Investigation on MrBeast’s Potential Scams

According to Coffeezilla, this complex story blurs the line between “shady” and outright “illegal.” The investigation was prompted by allegations circulating online.

Some claim MrBeast profited as much as $23 million through manipulative and deceptive practices. Coffeezilla, known for his thorough research and impartiality, reached out to various sources—researchers, crypto project heads, and even MrBeast himself.

According to Coffeezilla, the accusations stem from two main sources. The first is a report by SomaXBT, which alleges MrBeast made $10 million by backing low-cap cryptocurrency tokens, which later plunged in value.

“An investigation into Mr. Beast, how he allegedly made $10 million+ by backing low-cap IDO crypto tokens promoted by influencers like Lark Davis, CryptoBanter, KSI, and others. Many of these projects are now down over 90%, with some rebranding after major losses,” SomaXBT shared on X (formerly Twitter).

Another group, look.io, claimed he made even more through “scams, shady deals, and his network of connections.” Coffeezilla asserts that while some allegations seem exaggerated, there is credible evidence supporting others, making it difficult to offer a single, definitive judgment.

Key Allegations: Inside Deals and Suspicious Tweets

Coffeezilla begins by dissecting a few specific cases involving cryptocurrency projects in which MrBeast allegedly participated, including Super and Earnity Chain. According to the report, MrBeast invested in these projects, later promoting them publicly while secretly selling off his shares. This led some to believe he was engaging in unethical, if not illegal, market manipulation.

For instance, Coffeezilla discusses leaked screenshots showing MrBeast’s alleged involvement in Super’s pre-sale. According to these images, MrBeast invested $100,000, ultimately cashing out over $10 million. Coffeezilla points out that MrBeast tweeted twice about Super, one of which came suspiciously close to a sale of tokens by a wallet linked to him.

In another tweet, he hinted at the project’s value, saying “super” in response to a comment about the token’s potential growth. Coffeezilla suggests this could have influenced MrBeast’s followers to buy in while he was secretly offloading his investment, a potential conflict of interest.

According to Coffeezilla, this pattern is repeated in the cryptocurrency Earnity Chain. MrBeast’s name was prominently featured on the Earnity Chain website. He even allegedly promoted an associated NFT (non-fungible token) charity auction meant to benefit his “Team Seas” initiative.

Yet, records show his alleged wallet sold millions of Earnity tokens during the auction’s two-month campaign. Coffeezilla acknowledges that the charity auction itself performed poorly. Nevertheless, the investigator criticizes the timing, labeling it a “terrible look” for MrBeast, known as the “charity guy.”

A Complicated Network of Influences and Power Players

According to Coffeezilla, one of the most complex elements of the story is MrBeast’s involvement in crypto beyond his direct actions. The detective uncovers links between MrBeast’s investments and Jason Williams, a figure in the cryptocurrency space who appears to have managed some of these funds.

Coffeezilla found that Williams was connected to the same wallet linked to MrBeast’s investments. Reportedly, he often promoted and sold tokens associated with MrBeast’s name. This association could potentially absolve MrBeast of some responsibility, but as Coffeezilla points out, the boundaries remain unclear.

Of note is that MrBeast has occasionally spoken publicly about his investments, including a now-infamous conversation with Logan Paul, where he discussed purchasing CryptoPunks after a call with influencer Gary Vee.

“So, it seems like MrBeast was very much aware of, and in some cases directly involved in, decisions to buy and sell crypto,” Coffeezilla concludes.

While MrBeast’s team denies he was directly involved in trading, Coffeezilla finds it hard to believe MrBeast was entirely hands-off.

MrBeast’s Team’s Response (Or Lack Thereof)

In response to these allegations, MrBeast’s team provided a statement. In it, they assert that his investments were managed through a fund that consulted with industry experts and adhered to all “appropriate regulations.”

According to the team, MrBeast did not control the day-to-day trades. Yet, as Coffeezilla observes, the statement “takes zero accountability” and fails to address specific claims about MrBeast’s tweets and sales.

Critics say MrBeast’s brand is being used as a marketing tool in cryptocurrency projects, leading to inflated values that hurt regular investors. This becomes especially problematic given MrBeast’s vast following and reputation as a philanthropist.

For Coffeezilla, the issue is not merely about legality; it is about ethics. He suggests that while MrBeast’s actions may not be criminal, they still raise questions about his responsibility to his audience.

“I think to MrBeast and probably to his fund, this is just business. They set out to make a lot of money, and they made a lot of money—what’s the problem, right?” Coffeezilla quipped.

Indeed, Coffeezilla’s exposé is a compelling, if unsettling, reminder of the blurred lines between fame, finance, and influence within the crypto playing field.

beincrypto.com