• In an in-depth exploration, this article delves into some celebrity endorsements and associations with crypto projects that have taken both thrilling highs and devastating lows.
• Comedian Kevin Hart became a promoter for Lil’ Bit Cash, a cryptocurrency project that took a sour turn when the project’s founders vanished
• Soccer legend Lionel Messi is a beacon of caution regarding crypto endorsements. Despite numerous offers, he has refrained from associating himself with crypto projects

Over the past few years, celebrities from various walks of life have been entangled with crypto projects. From athletes to actors and musicians, the allure of digital currencies has drawn them in. In an in-depth exploration, this article delves into some celebrity endorsements and associations with crypto projects that have taken both thrilling highs and devastating lows.

The Naughty List

DJ Khaled, Manny Pacquiao, and Floyd Mayweather: Centra Tech Scandal

The crypto world was abuzz in 2017 when DJ Khaled and Floyd Mayweather joined forces to endorse Centra Tech’s Initial Coin Offering (ICO). They touted it as the future of crypto payments, promising revolutionary changes. However, their enthusiasm proved misplaced as Centra Tech’s founders faced fraud charges, unearthing a massive scam that left investors reeling. Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s involvement further muddied the waters, highlighting the risks of celebrity endorsements in the crypto space.

Read: Cristiano Ronaldo joins Web3 by releasing first NFT Collection

Lindsay Lohan: The LohanCoin Controversy

Actress Lindsay Lohan raised eyebrows when she threw her support behind a cryptocurrency project aptly named “LohanCoin.” The coin’s value saw an astonishing surge shortly after her endorsement, only to plummet just as quickly. Many in the crypto community accused her of participating in a pump-and-dump scheme, casting a shadow over her crypto involvement.

Paris Hilton: Multiple ICO Appearances

Reality TV star Paris Hilton ventured into crypto by promoting various Initial Coin Offerings. While not all were rug pulls, Hilton’s repeated involvement in ICO promotions drew suspicion within the crypto community.

TI: The Flik ICO Legal Battle

Renowned rapper TI found himself in legal hot water because he promoted the Flik ICO. Allegations of fraudulent activities and investor losses resulted in a lawsuit, highlighting the potential pitfalls of celebrity-backed crypto projects.

Soulja Boy: Navigating NFT Skepticism

Rapper Soulja Boy embraced the NFT craze, but his NFT releases faced skepticism. Accusations of misleading marketing practices raised concerns about the legitimacy of his NFT projects and celebrity-driven speculation.

Lil Pump: The Rise and Fall of Pump Token

Rapper Lil Pump embarked on a crypto journey by launching his cryptocurrency, “Pump Token.” While it wasn’t a rug pull, the coin’s sudden ascent and subsequent plunge raised concerns regarding the volatile nature of celebrity-driven speculative assets.

Kevin Hart: Lil’ Bit Cash Regret

Comedian Kevin Hart became a promoter for Lil’ Bit Cash, a cryptocurrency project that took a sour turn. After the ICO, the project’s founders vanished, leaving investors with worthless tokens and a bitter taste in their mouths.

Paul Pierce: The SafeMoon Promotion

Paul Pierce, a former NBA star, entered the cryptocurrency market by sponsoring the highly speculative cryptocurrency SafeMoon. The speculative nature of SafeMoon exposed investors to significant risks.

Kardashian: EMAX Instagram Misstep

The Kardashian clan, known for their social media prowess, encountered trouble when the SEC revealed that Kim Kardashian had failed to disclose a $250,000 payment for promoting EMAX tokens on her Instagram account. This incident underscored the regulatory challenges in the crypto endorsement arena.

Mike Tyson: The Bitcoin ATM Deception

Boxing legend Mike Tyson, an avid Bitcoin enthusiast, found himself unwittingly associated with a Bitcoin ATM scam. Scammers exploited his image to promote fraudulent Bitcoin ATMs, deceiving unsuspecting users.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: The Nonexistent “Rock Coin”

In 2021, a fake cryptocurrency named “Rock Coin” emerged, claiming an endorsement from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The actor quickly distanced himself from the project, warning his fans about the scam.

Christiano Ronaldo

Late last year, the Saudi Arabian league player acquired a contract with Binance to create an NFT collection tagged to his football success. The collection features seven animated statues—rarities ranging from standard to super to super rare.

“My fans have been such a huge part of my success. I am passionate about building a fan-centric economy to allow them to own a unique piece of sports history. Together with Binance, I want to welcome fans into Web3 through the world of NFTs,” Christiano Ronaldo said during the launch.

The Good Guy List

Lionel Messi: The Cautious Soccer Icon

Conversely, soccer legend Lionel Messi is a beacon of caution regarding crypto endorsements. Despite numerous offers, he has refrained from associating himself with crypto projects, setting a positive example for others.

Conclusion

The celebrity crypto rollercoaster continues to twist and turn, offering both thrilling highs and devastating lows. While some celebrities have inadvertently found themselves associated with scams and rug pulls, others have wisely steered clear of the crypto endorsement frenzy, opting for a more cautious approach. As the crypto world evolves, it’s crucial for both celebrities and investors to exercise caution and due diligence, ensuring that their crypto journeys are marked by success rather than regret.

Read: Binance partners with TikToker Khaby Lame, Christiano Ronaldo to boost crypto and NFT adoption