As someone who has been following the crypto space for years and witnessed its transformation from a niche market to a global phenomenon, I can’t help but feel disheartened by the recent turn of events. The actions of figures like Ryan Selkis, while perhaps fueled by passion and conviction, have brought negative attention to our community at a time when we should be focusing on building a better future for all.
How Ryan Selkis’s tweets escalated from personal grievances to staunch political statements to, ultimately his exit
Ryan Selkis, the founder and former CEO of Messari, suddenly stepped down after a series of inflammatory and disputed tweets sparked controversy within the cryptocurrency sphere.
On July 19th, Selkis made known his decision, expressing the need to concentrate on crypto regulations and country-level matters. Following heavy public criticism, he resigned from his position, leaving Messari at a pivotal point. In his absence, Chief Revenue Officer Eric Turner assumes the role of interim CEO.
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Renowned for his astute understanding of cryptocurrencies, Selkis has found himself amidst contentious social media debates on several occasions. However, the most recent flare-up reached unprecedented intensity, eventually resulting in his exit.
Following the assassination attempt on ex-President Donald Trump, Selkis’s latest rage was unleashed, resulting in a series of fiery tweets.
Selkis’s tweets encompassed a variety of topics, from sharing personal concerns to expressing strong political views, which sparked significant reactions among crypto community members.
On the 18th of July, Selkis shared on Twitter that he had a frank discussion with Messari’s management team. He was thankful for those who reached out to him constructively and offered assistance to keep him in check.
I recently had an enlightening “constructive feedback” conversation with Messari’s team, and I can’t express enough gratitude for their genuine concern and guidance. They know my goals and values well, and their intervention was much needed as I had been pushing myself too hard this week. I will be providing a thorough update on this matter soon.
— Ryan Selkis (d/acc) 🇺🇸 (@twobitidiot) July 18, 2024
He confessed to pushing things too far and vowed to deal with the issue thoroughly in the near future, suggesting the presence of internal conflicts at Messari.
On the subsequent day, July 19, Selkis expressed heartfelt regret in a public statement. He confessed to harboring anger and admitted to having deep respect for President Trump. The latter’s brush with death after a decade of animosity left a profound impact on him.
Apologies for my outburst last weekend, I lost control of my emotions after witnessing the dire consequences of a decade-long cycle of hatred almost claiming President Trump’s life. However, we shall prevail through displaying strong character, unwavering strength, and committing to non-violent means. No ill will towards you, Molly.
— Ryan Selkis (d/acc) 🇺🇸 (@twobitidiot) July 19, 2024
I’d be happy to help you explore the details behind Selkis’ departure from the crypto world and gain a deeper understanding of his perspectives. Let’s dive into the intricacies of the situation and examine why things unfolded as they did according to Selkis’ account.
Here is how it all started… and ended
With a significant following of approximately 354,000 people on Twitter, Selkis stands out as a prominent influencer in the crypto community. His impactful efforts have played a pivotal role in bringing cryptocurrency to the center of attention during the 2024 election, skillfully executing a well-planned strategy.
He significantly contributed to strengthening FairShake, a political action committee accumulating large sums, in order to back politicians favorable towards cryptocurrencies.
Selkis’s strong relationships with notable individuals such as Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, and Fred Ehrsam, a venture capitalist,, coupled with financial support from esteemed entities like Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy Digital and angel investor Balaji Srinivasan, firmly establish his position within the crypto community.
Selkis has a history of stirring up debates. His candid and provocative statements, which can be harshly criticizing, include referring to certain national leaders as “weaklings.”
As a parent of four children, I’ve put forth a potential solution that could prevent significant damage.
— Ryan Selkis (d/acc) 🇺🇸 (@twobitidiot) June 6, 2024
He frequently targets Gary Gensler, the chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with criticism, using derogatory terms such as “rat” and “snake.”
As a crypto investor, I would remind us that it’s essential to take a moment to reconsider and address any potential issues with FIT 21 before proceeding with its Senate approval. Here’s why:
— Ryan Selkis (d/acc) 🇺🇸 (@twobitidiot) June 1, 2024
After the recent attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life, Selkis stirred up controversy with a string of inflammatory tweets.
Some recent tweets from the founder and CEO of a prominent cryptocurrency company.
— Molly White (@molly0xFFF) July 18, 2024
As a crypto investor, I might express my strong opinion about a particular topic in a more polite and less offensive way than the original quote. “I strongly disagree with those who continue to oppose Trump at this point. In my opinion, they are making a mistake.”
As someone who has studied the history of political discourse, I find it deeply concerning to witness such divisive language being used in contemporary politics. The statement “The Civil War for the country started today, and if you are anti-Trump you are against the men who are willing to fight” is not only inflammatory but also dangerous.
Based on my observation of history and my belief in the value of peaceful resolutions, I strongly disagree with the idea that violence is the only solution to combat the spread of ideologies like Bolshevism. As someone who has studied the historical consequences of political unrest and armed conflicts, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and democratic processes in addressing societal issues.
Selkis’ inflammatory tale didn’t end there. He intensified his speech by proposing that unity could only be achieved following a decisive win. He drew parallels between the present situation and pivotal historical conflicts in 1776, 1860, and 1942.
“I’m hoping for tranquility, but I’m also gearing up for potential hostilities.”
And the saga continued…
As a researcher, I’ve come across various perspectives regarding a heated debate on Twitter. One user, named AdrianoFeria.eth, voiced his criticism towards Selkis’ provocative statements. AdrianoFeria.eth is an immigrant who relocated to the USA from Brazil, and he strongly condemned Selkis for propagating harmful and reckless language.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived a comfortable and privileged life in the United States, but I must confess that I’m dismayed by the inflammatory rhetoric I often hear from certain quarters. It’s the kind of talk that every enemy of our great nation loves to see – it creates division and fuels chaos. But who exactly is this civil war between? Are we really so different from one another that we must tear each other apart?
— AdrianoFeria.eth 🦇🔊 🛡️ (@AdrianoFeria) July 15, 2024
Selkis’ remarks concerning the possibility of civil unrest and violence were deemed “provocative” and “unpatriotic” by him, advocating instead for a more tempered response to political disputes.
Selkis’ reaction was far from restrained. He disregarded AdrianoFeria.eth’s criticism as the most unintelligent he had encountered and raised doubts about the user’s nationality being American.
Among the criticisms I’ve received in the past 48 hours, this one takes the cake as being particularly unintelligent, even surpassing Canadian Cochran’s outbursts. I am deeply committed to addressing the challenges facing our country and have a significant personal stake in the ongoing information war.
— Ryan Selkis (d/acc) 🇺🇸 (@twobitidiot) July 15, 2024
Selkis asked on Twitter, “Are you a citizen of the United States?” and insinuated that AdrianoFeria.eth’s immigrant background made him unqualified to discuss American politics. He went on to state, “If Trump gets assassinated, there will be a civil war in the U.S.”
1. Are you originally from America?
— Ryan Selkis (d/acc) 🇺🇸 (@twobitidiot) July 15, 2024
As someone who has devoted a significant portion of my career to immigration law, I can’t help but feel dismayed and troubled by Selkis’ response to AdrianoFeria.eth’s situation. The fact that Adriano was on the verge of applying for citizenship, having already gone through the rigorous process of becoming a green card holder, only adds to the gravity of the situation.
Then there was this exchange. Messari’s Head of Engineering is on an H1-B, by the way.
— Molly White (@molly0xFFF) July 18, 2024
He drew a controversial likeness between Trump’s attempted assailant and Senator Elizabeth Warren, employing the term “physiognomy” to suggest a striking similarity in appearance, which left many people feeling deeply upset.
The criticism against Selkis intensified when Suji Yan, Mask’s CEO, openly criticized his actions. Yan declared that Mask would put a hold on any business dealings with Messari and urged partners to reconsider their connections with him.
Based on my extensive experience in business and interactions with various industry players, I have come to the conclusion that Messari’s practices are not aligned with my organization’s values and goals. Therefore, I will cease all current and future collaborations with them. Furthermore, I strongly advise my partners and portfolio companies to exercise caution before engaging with Messari. My decision is rooted in the belief that it’s crucial for us to associate ourselves only with reputable entities that share our commitment to integrity and professionalism.
— Suji Yan – Mask is BUIDLing (@suji_yan) July 18, 2024
Other users resonated with Yan’s action and pledged to disassociate from Messari, while criticizing Selkis for his harsh words.
It’s quite disconcerting, I had to verify the authenticity of that post.
No more interactions with Messari for me. He is free to express himself, but I can’t align myself with someone who openly despises a large group of people.
— Otsukimi (@OtsukimiCrypto) July 19, 2024
Make crypto great again?
As the 2024 election approaches, the political scene is growing more intense. Supporters of different candidates are vigorously promoting their agendas, and the significance of the upcoming vote cannot be overstated. Be it politicians, fans, or behind-the-scenes players, everyone appears to be motivated by personal interests.
During Trump’s shift in position regarding cryptocurrencies, and following the SEC’s green light for Bitcoin and recently Ethereum spot ETFs in early 2021, the landscape for a crypto-focused presidential election has been established.
In the midst of the ongoing turmoil, individuals such as Ryan Selkis have been actively advocating for their respective agendas. This could be driven by a desire for public recognition, personal gain, or a strong conviction in their beliefs. Selkis’s recent resignation under controversial circumstances further intensifies the confusion and apprehension within the cryptocurrency community.
It’s unclear whether everyone’s support for their beliefs in the crypto world is sincere or if power and influence are major motivating factors. The boundary between the two is becoming more indistinct, and what is certain is that cryptocurrencies are playing an increasingly significant role in political affairs.
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2024-07-19 19:27