Ben McKenzie’s Explosive Crypto Documentary: Unmasking SBF and Mashinsky

Actor Ben McKenzie, known for his roles in Gotham and The OC, takes on a new challenge: exposing the dark underbelly of cryptocurrency. His directorial debut, Everyone Is Lying To You For Money, is a no-holds-barred documentary premiering at SXSW London this June.

McKenzie’s film delves into the cryptocurrency world’s deception, featuring exclusive interviews with disgraced FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried (“SBF”) and former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky, both filmed before their respective companies’ spectacular collapses in 2022. The documentary also investigates El Salvador President Nayib Bukele’s controversial embrace of Bitcoin.

Collaborating with The New Republic writer Jacob Silverman, McKenzie transitioned from Hollywood to becoming a vocal critic of cryptocurrency’s problematic aspects. Following FTX’s collapse, he even testified before a US Senate hearing.

While the content of the SBF and Mashinsky interviews remains undisclosed, the documentary promises to be a captivating and revealing look at the cryptocurrency industry’s scandals. The film’s exploration of Bukele’s Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative. Cointelegraph reached out to McKenzie for comment but received no response.

SBF Imprisoned, Mashinsky Awaits Sentencing

SBF’s legal troubles are well-documented, culminating in a 25-year prison sentence in 2024 after a guilty verdict on seven felony charges. Mashinsky, having pleaded guilty to two felonies in December 2024, faces sentencing on May 8th, with prosecutors seeking a 20-year term.

McKenzie’s documentary promises to provide a compelling perspective on these high-profile figures and the broader implications of their actions on the cryptocurrency landscape. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the hype, the fall, and the lasting consequences of this volatile industry.