"I was hurt": Adin Ross responds to Banks' meme coin allegations
With the legal fallout from the scandal, the question of influencer crypto projects ensued again, and along with it, the individual clashes.
The Collapse of
MLG Coin
MLG Coin stepped into the Solana blockchain in early 2025 as a joke-based memecoin. With the patronage of celebrities and complementary viral appeal, the memecoin became a serious asset. By January, it had remarkably garnered a market capitalization of upward of $166 million.
Jason Speaks On Banks Stepping Down As FaZe CEO..
Much of the rise was because Ross and FaZe Banks endorsed the token on their social channels heavily. But the hype was short-lived. The price of the coin fell by more than 90% in March, leading to losses for the investors and accusations of a big rug pull.
Leaked Texts Arise Blame Game
Silence in turn was followed by a flurry of accusations. On July 28, leaked was a Banks message shared as a screenshot from a group chat that went by the name 'MLG Official Main Chat,' which left Adin Ross squarely in the blame.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Test Test
Tabbola
Undo
Banks had accused Ross of being the 'only bad actor' and had said that Ross was 'allowing the community to use him as exit liquidity.'
'Adin Ross f**ked this up,' Banks allegedly wrote. 'His ego got hurt, blamed Frank.'
These comments were widely circulated and fueled a social media frenzy, turning the heat toward Ross.
Adin Ross Responds: "I Was Hurt"
On the 30th of July, Ross held a livestream where he directly addressed the controversy, offering a very emotional, personal spin on Banks' remarks.
Speaking at around 15 minutes into the stream, Ross emphasized the depth of their relationship, 'Okay, so here's where I'll start about this, guys, I don't hate FaZe Banks. Okay? I don't hate FaZe Banks. I have history with him, bro. This is someone that, for a very long time, I consider family.
Right? Like, when I woke up and seen this s*t, you can pull up my tweet, too. I was fking hurt. I was hurt. I'm not going to lie to you all, chat, I don't give a f*k, I don't hate the guy. I'm not mad at him, bro. Was this something that caught me off guard? Was it something that I wished didn't happen? Yeah. It hurt. It was all just... it hurt. Okay?"
Ross did not really go into detail on the technical aspects of the coin's rise or collapse, but rather on the very personal feelings of betrayal he experienced with someone whom he had trusted.
His tone was reflective.
Crypto and Consequences
The MLG debacle has served as a cautionary tale in the world of influencer-backed crypto. A craze start-ups into risky financial storms with holders with empty pockets and creators rushing to protect their reputations.
Neither Banks nor Ross have ever accepted the fact that they were behind an alleged rug pull. The accusations were therefore difficult to take at face value, especially with leaked group chats and market dumps happening within the same timeframe.
For now, it appears that Adin Ross has drawn a line between private emotions and public blame. Whether this is the resolution to the controversy or just a break before further revelations come forth is still unknown. One thing is sure, the confluence of influencer culture and crypto hype has remained one explosive mix.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
South Korean actor Song Young-Kyu found dead in car two weeks after facing massive backlash over DUI controversy
Popular South Korean actor Song Young-Kyu , known for his roles in K-dramas like "Big Bet", "Hwarang" and "Hot Stove League", has been found dead inside a vehicle days after he was caught into a DUI scandal. He was 55. Song Young-Kyu was reportedly found dead in a car on Sunday at a townhouse complex in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. An investigation has been launched by the Yongin Eastern Police Station and the cause of his death remains unknown, local news website Koreaboo reported. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category CXO Finance Artificial Intelligence Project Management Digital Marketing healthcare Data Science Data Science Operations Management Product Management Leadership Cybersecurity Others Public Policy Technology MBA MCA Healthcare Design Thinking PGDM Management Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details ALSO READ: Karoline Leavitt, 27, has a net worth of $7 million: Here's the secret behind how Trump's youngest star amassed such fortune by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout: New Apocalyptic MMO Crossout Play Now Undo Why was Song Young-Kyu arrested? Song Young-Kyu's death comes just two weeks after he was found involved in DUI incident in Yongin. The veteran South Korean actor was arrested for drunk driving on June 19 with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent and it is a serious offence in South Korea. The actor was found driving under the influence and his license was revoked under the South Korean law. The incident caused Song Young-Kyu to be removed from several acting roles like ENA's "The Defects", SBS's "The Winning Try" and stage play "Shakespeare In Love". "The Defects" which he had already shot for, issued a statement which stated that his screen time would be restricted following the controversy. Live Events On June 19, Song Young Kyu was caught driving under the influence. He drove about 5 kilometres while drunk in Yongin, the same area where he lived and was then referred to the prosecution. Though the incident happened in June, it only became public a month later in late July. This brought a wave of backlash and led to major changes in his professional life. ALSO READ: Duke Dennis handcuffed after bizarre mall game in San Antonio. What are the charges against him? On Monday, Song Young-Kyu was allegedly found unconscious inside a parked vehicle by an acquaintance. After the police were alerted, an investigation was launched into his death and the circumstances surrounding it. Police confirmed there were no signs of foul play and no suicide note was found. Song is survived by his wife and two daughters. In South Korea, celebrities are held to a higher moral grounds and controversies often lead to heavy scrutiny and impact on career. Reports suggest Song-Young-Kyu was said to be extremely concerned by the DUI charges and its aftermath. As per Koreaboo, 'He was distressed by the malicious articles and comments, and the circumstances were extremely unfavourable at that time.' Song Young-Kyu started his career on stage with a children's musical Wizard Mureul in 1994. His work encompassed theater, film and television. While Extreme Job brought him worldwide acclaim, he also appeared in projects including Hyena, Trick, Baseball Girl and Stove League. (With PTI inputs)
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
Indian professional worked in US firms for decades, nearly died of stress-- Asks 'Was that paycheck worth it?"
Considering the fast-paced and high-pressure jobs most people work these days, debates and discussions on the importance of work-life balance have become important and all the more relevant. The hectic work and lifestyles most people lead often take a toll on their overall well-being, and this has become quite common these days. Highlighting this and questioning if it is even worth it, a post on the 'Indian Workplace' subreddit has gained people's attention and made them rethink what truly matters in life. A professional recently opened up on the 'Indian Workplace' subreddit, sharing a deeply emotional story about how a toxic job almost cost him his life. After nearly two decades with global companies in the US and Europe—where boundaries, ethics, and employee well-being were respected—he found himself unexpectedly laid off. With few options in a tough job market, he joined an Indian startup. Deep down, he knew it wasn't right—but desperation forced his hand. The warning signs were loud and clear, yet he ignored them and it almost costed him his life! Within days of joining, red flags began waving. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Revenue manipulation was routine, egos ran wild at the top, and employees were expected to work nearly 18-hour days. Toxicity crept in quickly—gaslighting, unrealistic client expectations, and a complete disregard for personal space and mental health became the norm. Fear of unemployment kept him stuck in the cycle. But the constant stress started wearing him down—mentally, emotionally, and even ethically. Depression set in quietly. He was losing himself. The breaking point that changed his life Eventually, he quit— without another job in hand. A bold step, but it came too late. Just weeks after resigning, the man shared that he suffered a massive heart attack. Two emergency stents saved his life. Doctors told him if he had waited even 30 minutes longer, he wouldn't have made it. Now recovering at home in India with a weak heart and no job, he asks a haunting question: 'Was that paycheck worth it?' His answer? 'Hell no'! A message for others He shared his story as a warning: No paycheck is worth your health. Mental and physical well-being should never be the price of survival. His hope is that others listen—before it's too late. The post resonated with thousands. Strangers offered support, shared similar stories, and reminded him—and each other—that health always comes first. What are your views on this incident? Tell us about it in the comments section below. 'Not Having Time...': Airtel Payments Bank CMO Shilpi On Work-Life Balance
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Russia oil in focus: Tankers deliver millions of barrels of Russian crude to India; no impact of Trump, EU pressure yet
Multiple tankers offloaded millions of barrels of Russian crude at Indian refineries during the weekend. (AI image) Despite growing pressure from the Donald Trump administration and the European Union, India continues to get crude oil from Russia. Multiple tankers offloaded millions of barrels of Russian crude at Indian refineries during the weekend, indicating that these closely monitored deliveries continue uninterrupted. According to a Bloomberg report, three Aframax vessels - the Achilles, Elyte and Horae - discharged approximately 2.2 million barrels of Russian Urals crude to private Indian refiners Nayara Energy Ltd and Reliance Industries Ltd during the weekend following a brief delay. More vessels are scheduled to discharge 2.2 million barrels of Urals crude, with tankers Minion and Destan currently positioned at Reliance's Sikka terminal. The Aldebaran is set to unload across the gulf at Mundra port. Also Read | Big message! PM Modi strikes defiant 'Make in India' note in face of Trump's tariff & penalty threats; India to continue buying Russia oil While the buyer's identity remains unconfirmed, Mundra port serves both state-operated Indian Oil Corp Ltd. and HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd, which is partly owned by state-run Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd, the Bloomberg report said. Another Aframax tanker, the Mikati, offloaded over 720,000 barrels of Russian Varandey crude during a dual-port delivery to refineries located in Kochi and Mangalore. The Kochi facility belongs to state-owned Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd, while the Mangalore facility is controlled primarily by state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp Ltd. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo No Direction To Stop Russia Crude Oil Buys India continues to foster its robust ties with Russia, which has remained a key defence equipment provider dating back to the Cold War period. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described these ties on Friday as a "steady and time-tested partnership." During his remarks, Jaiswal stressed that India's connections with various countries stand independently and warrant assessment based on individual merit, rather than through the lens of other nations. Speaking about India's relationship with the United States, he conveyed optimism about its continued advancement. Also Read | Countering Trump's 25% tariff impact on India: Modi government wants exporters to build & promote homegrown brands; 'it is important to…' The oil industry has been awaiting guidance from New Delhi regarding the continuation of Russian supplies, following Trump's recent warnings of punitive measures to restrict trade with Russia. Additionally, a senior US official recently alleged that India was effectively supporting President Vladimir Putin's Ukraine campaign through these purchases. The hard US stance, coupled with an unexpected 25% duty on Indian exports to America, has disrupted the procurement strategies of both private and government-owned refineries. However, Indian authorities have not instructed refiners to discontinue Russian crude imports, sources told Bloomberg Reliance maintains a long-term agreement with Russian oil giant Rosneft PJSC. India's continued procurement of discounted Russian oil, particularly as a big buyer of Moscow's maritime oil exports, has consistently troubled the United States and its Western partners. Recent developments have intensified this attention. Following European Union sanctions on July 18 against Nayara due to its Russian connections, the refiner reduced its operations, compelling business associates to seek alternative supply sources. Also Read | India buying Russian oil an 'irritant' for Trump administration! How much crude does India get from Russia & will it stop after US penalty warning? Top 10 points Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025
