Once known for his role as Ryan Atwood in the popular series The O.C., Ben McKenzie is now delving into what he describes as the “largest Ponzi scheme in history”: cryptocurrency.
Highlighting the disparities in gains within the crypto world, McKenzie asserts, “What you see repeatedly in crypto is a small group of insiders making substantial profits, while most ordinary investors end up losing money.” This observation drives McKenzie’s exploration of the industry in his recent documentary titled Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, which debuted with a limited theatrical release in April.
McKenzie’s foray into the crypto realm began when a friend proposed they invest in it, sparking his curiosity. Equipped with an economics degree, the actor embarked on an investigation that unveiled the inflated nature of the industry.
In 2022, McKenzie testified at a U.S. Senate committee hearing on cryptocurrency and co-authored a book titled Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud.
While some industry figures criticize McKenzie’s documentary for sensationalizing negative narratives about cryptocurrency, McKenzie emphasizes his call for enhanced regulation to safeguard investors.
Ben McKenzie explores the appeal of cryptocurrency to men, emphasizing its promise of immense wealth alongside the tendency for men to remain silent about financial losses. In his documentary, McKenzie sheds light on the dynamics of cryptocurrency.
Engaging with guest host Lyndsay Duncombe on The Current, McKenzie elaborated on his documentary’s themes and expressed concerns about the detrimental impact of cryptocurrency on men.
[Your documentary] begins with a scene set in Iraq, unraveling the concept of money’s origins, only to reveal a different location, West Texas. How does this introduction align with your documentary’s message?
The film’s title, Everyone is Lying to You for Money, reflects the core theme, where I acknowledge my role in the deception for financial gain. It underscores the notion that money is a social