Actor Ben McKenzie Confronts Crypto Industry Execs Over Questionable Claims
Actor and author Ben McKenzie has made a documentary film called Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, where he delves into the world of cryptocurrency. As an economics graduate and self-proclaimed 'econ dork', McKenzie is critical of the industry's claims and ethics.
McKenzie interviewed several prominent figures in the crypto space, including Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder and former CEO of FTX. Bankman-Fried was later convicted on seven charges related to fraud and conspiracy and sentenced to 25 years in prison. McKenzie also met with residents of La Unión, El Salvador, who were being threatened with displacement due to their president's plan to build a Bitcoin City.
McKenzie suggests that those at the bottom are losing big while those at the top are making money. He notes that many everyday citizens have invested heavily in crypto and are waiting for it to pay off. In one interview, McKenzie asks Alex Mashinsky, the founder of Celsius, if the company has been sued or fined by anyone. Mashinsky responds that no, but this is later proven to be false.
The documentary also explores the idea that those who benefit from cryptocurrency are not everyday citizens, but rather a select few at the top of the industry. McKenzie's film is a critical look at the world of crypto and its potential pitfalls.