During the New York Times Bookdeal summit, the former CEO and person with ultimate responsibility of FTX gave an interview about the state of affairs. Almost three weeks after the major crypto fiasco, Sam Bankman-Fried still indicates that he was not in a bad mood. The former billionaire makes some striking comments and is even asked about possible drug use and his current bank account.
In his first live interview since the crypto firm he founded collapsed, Sam Bankman-Fried said he had “made a lot of mistakes” and “didn’t ever try to commit fraud on anyone.” Watch his conversation with @andrewrsorkin live: https://t.co/Zq5v4GdS5A pic.twitter.com/bRRqjwnVo0
— DealBook (@dealbook) November 30, 2022
“Sorry, sorry, and sorry again”
“I don’t know what my future will bring me now. I simply don’t know what’s going to happen. But I want to help where I can. I don’t know what that will lead to. And I can’t promise anyone anything.”
He seems to dive into a victim role during the interview and want to arouse sympathy. Bankman-Fried apologized no less than twelve times for all the misery that the collapse of his crypto exchange has caused.
In his own words, all the mischief happened beyond his control. He had no idea that there was financial cheating between FTX and sister company Alameda Research.
“I am so sorry for everything that happened. I have not deliberately cheated with money. This was never my intention. I haven’t been paying attention enough.”
No drugs, just board games?
He was also asked by the interviewer about the rumored drug use of himself and other members of the FTX board. The story goes that FTX was simply “some kids on Adderral at a slumber party.”
“I had my first sip of alcohol on my 21st birthday. There were no wild parties. And when there was a party, we played board games. I’ve also never seen illegal drugs. I cannot speak for others. I have only used drugs for my concentration in the past.”
Whether Bankman-Fried speaks the truth and is sincere is the question. He recently admitted that he deliberately set up a persona that he knew would have a positive impact. So he can manipulate. Perhaps he will continue with this quietly. He was also asked about his own current financial situation.
“As far as I know, I have almost nothing left. Everything was in FTX. I have never put money away for myself.”
