{
  "id": 3481128,
  "title": "The Cult and Corruption of Cryptocurrency",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/the-cult-and-corruption-of-cryptocurrency",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T10:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mother Jones",
    "slug": "mother-jones",
    "url": "https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/08/ben-mckenzie-cult-corruption-cryptocurrency-sbf/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ben McKenzie, a television actor famous for roles in shows such as The O.C. and Gotham, has embarked on an investigation into the intricate world of cryptocurrency. His documentary, titled Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, delves into the individuals and businesses at the core of this digital currency market. In an interview with host Al Letson, McKenzie expresses his skepticism towards the future of money, stating, \"I think crypto is not only not the future of money, it’s the past of money. And it’s something we’ve tried before and it’s failed.\"\n\nMcKenzie is particularly troubled by what he describes as the cult-like behavior exhibited by those investing in digital currency. He recounts an interview with Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced founder of FTX, carried out just months before his arrest. Additionally, McKenzie shares poignant conversations he had with ordinary individuals who were convinced by the allure of cryptocurrency and ultimately lost everything. Despite these losses, these people remain crypto believers. \"More To The Story\" podcast, hosted by McKenzie, can be found on various platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and others, and listeners are encouraged to subscribe.",
  "summary": "Ben McKenzie might seem like an unlikely choice to launch an investigation into the complicated world of cryptocurrency. But the television actor known for shows like The O.C. and Gotham did exactly that. His documentary film, Everyone Is Lying to You for […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Ben McKenzie investigates cryptocurrency in documentary \"Everyone Is Lying to You for Money\"",
    "Skeptical of crypto's future, McKenzie calls it \"the past of money\"",
    "Highlights cult-like behavior and losses of ordinary crypto believers"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}