In a significant legal development, football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself entangled in a class-action lawsuit, seeking a staggering $1 billion in damages. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Florida, alleges Ronaldo’s involvement in promoting cryptocurrency-related non-fungible tokens (NFTs) linked to the troubled cryptocurrency exchange, Binance.
Deceptive Allegations and Unlawful Partnerships
The legal action claims Ronaldo’s promotion of Binance was “deceptive and unlawful.” The partnership with high-profile figures, including Ronaldo, is asserted to have led unwitting investors into precarious and costly cryptocurrency investments.
Unraveling Binance’s Alleged Fraud
The lawsuit delves into Binance’s alleged fraudulent activities, contending that the exchange’s deceptive practices were fueled by the sale of unregistered securities. It implicates not only Ronaldo but also other influential organizations and celebrities globally.
Ronaldo’s NFT Venture with Binance
Ronaldo’s inaugural NFT collection, named “CR7,” was launched in collaboration with Binance in November last year, just ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The NFTs featured animated statues of Ronaldo and garnered immense attention, with prices ranging from $77 to $10,000.
The Alleged Success and Omissions
The legal filing suggests that Ronaldo’s promotional efforts were remarkably successful, citing a substantial increase in online searches related to “Binance” after the announcement of the footballer’s NFT collection. Premium-level NFTs from the collection reportedly sold out within the first week.
Moreover, the lawsuit contends that Ronaldo failed to disclose the financial details of his partnership with Binance, a violation of federal law. The US Securities and Exchange Commission mandates celebrities to publicly disclose their earnings for promoting securities, including cryptocurrency assets.
NFT Market Dynamics and Binance’s Legal Woes
The article explores the dynamics of the NFT market, highlighting its initial boom and subsequent decline in value amid industry scandals and market downturns. Binance itself faced legal troubles, accused of operating as an unregistered securities exchange and violating US securities laws. The exchange agreed to a significant settlement but not without consequences for its founder, Changpeng Zhao.
Celebrity Accountability in the Crypto Space
The legal landscape for celebrities in the crypto space is discussed, drawing parallels with a previous class-action lawsuit against FTX, another cryptocurrency exchange. Hollywood and sports stars faced allegations of promoting FTX’s failed business model, holding them responsible for their roles in the exchange’s downfall.
Ronaldo’s Ongoing Affiliation with Binance
Despite the legal challenges, Ronaldo continues to promote Binance on various platforms, including his official website and social media accounts. The article concludes by highlighting Ronaldo’s recent interaction on X/Twitter, hinting at future collaborations with the embattled cryptocurrency exchange.
In essence, this comprehensive rewrite provides an in-depth exploration of the lawsuit against Cristiano Ronaldo, intertwining legal complexities, NFT market dynamics, and the broader context of celebrity endorsements in the cryptocurrency space.
