CZ Rejects Golden Statue Offer Linked to Meme Coin
Binance founder Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao has publicly declined an offer for a golden statue created in his likeness, which is tied to a meme coin. He also urged people not to purchase the associated cryptocurrency. A social media account promoting the statue had requested a shipping address, stating the statue was ready for delivery.
CZ responded by stating he would never accept a statue of himself and explicitly asked people not to buy the related meme coin. He suggested that the creator might be attempting to profit from his online reactions. In a post on X, CZ elaborated that he dislikes items featuring his own face.
He recalled an instance where someone presented him with a shirt bearing his face and expected him to wear it. In his opinion, such attention is unnecessary and uncomfortable. His remarks indicate a personal aversion to excessive praise or products that might project an image of self-importance.
Furthermore, he cautioned the crypto community to be vigilant and aware of risky ventures. This advice aligns with his long-standing mantra to "Stay safu," which encourages users to avoid scams and safeguard their digital assets.
Some market participants interpreted his public rejection of the statue as a move to prevent confusion about his endorsements. Others believe this approach helps protect new traders from assuming a project is officially sanctioned simply because it uses his name.
Binance Founder CZ Considers Lawsuit Against Senator Warren
In a separate development, CZ is reportedly considering a libel lawsuit against Senator Elizabeth Warren. This action stems from comments the Senator made regarding his plea deal, which CZ believes misrepresented his legal situation.
Senator Warren's remarks focused on his 2023 plea deal and the subsequent prison sentence. CZ contends that her public statements contained inaccuracies that could damage his reputation. His legal case involved violations of the Bank Secrecy Act at Binance, with the government citing insufficient controls within the company.
Despite the allegations, there was no conviction for money laundering, and Binance agreed to pay over $4 billion in forfeitures as part of the settlement. CZ himself agreed to a $50 million fine and resigned from his position at Binance to finalize the settlement terms.
President Trump recently issued a pardon to CZ, a development that has sparked public discussion about cryptocurrency oversight in the United States. Senator Warren, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, has consistently voiced concerns about the perceived risks associated with digital assets, advocating for stricter regulations to protect investors. The potential lawsuit could escalate the disagreement and fuel further political debate on accountability within the crypto sector.
Speculation Grows About a Possible Return to Binance
The recent pardon has generated considerable excitement among traders closely following Binance. Activity on the prediction market platform Polymarket indicated a surge in bets suggesting CZ might return to the company before the end of 2025.
At one point, the odds for his return reached 82%, although they later decreased to approximately 36% as market reactions stabilized. This fluctuation highlights the prevailing uncertainty surrounding his future professional endeavors. CZ has expressed gratitude to President Trump and stated his desire to contribute to the advancement of cryptocurrency in the United States.
Changpeng Zhao has also announced plans for a new book project, hinting at potential new ventures outside of his previous role at Binance. Additionally, observers noted that he removed the phrase "ex Binance" from his profile page, further fueling speculation about a potential comeback.
No official announcement regarding a return to Binance has been made, and the company continues to operate under the leadership of Richard Teng. Even without a formal position, CZ continues to influence market sentiment and guide discussions within the digital asset space. Investors remain attentive for any indications of him assuming a more significant role in the future.