Pop singer Jason Derulo has encountered significant controversy after promoting a meme coin that rapidly lost its value. This incident has sparked discussions about the role of celebrities in high-risk financial endorsements.
Such events not only lead to monetary losses but also risk damaging the reputations of the celebrities involved and eroding trust in the cryptocurrency market.
Jason Derulo’s Meme Coin Controversy
On June 23, Derulo announced the launch of his meme coin, JASON, to his 3.5 million followers on social media. Unfortunately, the coinβs value plummeted by over 72% within minutes, causing widespread disappointment among investors and fans.
In response to the backlash, Derulo accused Sahil Arora, an Indian national linked to previous cryptocurrency controversies, of misleading him. He promised to rectify the situation, posting on social media:
βDamn Sahil got me! Thatβs ok, thatβs motivation to take this all the way! I just bought $20,000 worth. In this for my fans for the long haul, going to do everything in my power to send this sh*t to the moon.β
The American singer reiterated his commitment in an apology video, making the coinβs recovery his βlifeβs goal.β
Despite Deruloβs proactive approach, skepticism remains. Influential figures in the crypto community, including SlumDOGE Millionaire and on-chain detective ZachXBT, questioned his innocence. SlumDOGE Millionaire commented:
βBro made $1 million off his rug and put $20,000 back in the chart lol. Youβre not stupid or new to crypto Jason, you know exactly what was happening, donβt play dumb now.β
ZachXBT added:
βYou are not sorry at all you have promoted so many crypto scams over the years I have lost track.β
Broader Implications and Other Celebrity Involvements
This incident is part of a broader pattern involving Arora, who has launched several other celebrity-associated meme coins. Recently, he hinted at a collaboration with American rapper Tyga for a new meme coin. However, Tyga has not yet discussed or promoted any crypto token directly on his social media platforms, raising questions about his involvement.
Similarly, Arora has also teased a Ronaldinho GaΓΊcho meme coin following a cryptic post from the Brazilian footballer. Although GaΓΊcho did not explicitly promote the meme coin, Aroraβs swift sharing of a contract address following Ronaldinhoβs post has led to speculation about the footballer endorsing meme coins.
The alleged mastermind behind multiple pump-and-dump schemes has acted as a middleman for celebrities, exploiting their lack of experience with web3. He launched and promoted the βRICHβ token by hacking American rapper Rich the Kidβs social media account. Arora then proceeded with other celebrity-themed coins, such as JENNER and a token presale under the guise of Australian musician Iggy Azalea.
All these tokens experienced significant price crashes shortly after launch, with Arora pocketing the profits. The celebrities involved have since distanced themselves from him.
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