In a surprising twist, former teen heartthrob Ben McKenzie, known for his role as Ryan Atwood in the early 2000s TV series ‘The O.C.’, is making headlines for a new venture: investigating the often murky world of cryptocurrency. As the writer, director, and star of the upcoming documentary ‘Everyone Is Lying To You For Money’, McKenzie delves into what he describes as a “scammy, fraudulent, and oftentimes criminal” industry.
During a recent discussion in Washington, D.C., McKenzie revealed his motivation for tackling this contentious issue. “I was raised with a sense of social justice,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of community and societal responsibility over personal gain.
The documentary chronicles McKenzie’s global exploration of the cryptocurrency landscape, taking viewers from Miami to El Salvador and London as he follows the money. He aims to demystify cryptocurrency, shedding light on why its proponents push so fervently for widespread adoption.
Throughout the conversation, McKenzie and journalist Mehdi discuss the far-reaching influence of the crypto sector on U.S. politics, affecting both the Republican and Democratic parties. They identify the Trump family as emblematic of the kind of figures attracted to crypto-induced scams. Notably, McKenzie’s interview with former FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, now incarcerated, raised eyebrows for its intensity. “Why the heck is the guy from ‘The O.C.’ doing a tougher interview on Sam Bankman-Fried than the people at CNBC, FOX Business, or Bloomberg?” Mehdi questioned, to which McKenzie passionately inquired if that was truly the expectation placed on him.
Their dialogue also touches on thematic elements from ‘The O.C.’, specifically how the series resonated with a generation regarding class politics. McKenzie shares his political leanings, supporting Brad Lander for Congress over Dan Goldman, and raises provocative questions regarding corporate PAC money as a litmus test for Democratic candidates.
The conversation further explores the resonances between political lobbying organizations like AIPAC and the advertisement strategies employed in the cryptocurrency space. They also speculate on which Democrats might have a real shot at the presidency in 2028.
For fans of 2000s pop culture and concerned citizens interested in corporate accountability, McKenzie and Mehdi’s discussion offers an engaging blend of entertainment and serious inquiry into the implications of cryptocurrency on society and politics. A teaser of the exchange is available for free, while subscribers to the platform can access the complete interview and other related content.
