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- The alleged 2014 email has not been independently verified.
- No evidence links MIT donations or past associations to the SEC’s Ripple case.
- Analysts urge investors to separate facts from online speculation.
Unverified claims are once again making the rounds in crypto circles, reviving old names, forgotten emails, and long-running rivalries tied to XRP, Ripple, and Stellar. At the center of the latest discussion is an alleged 2014 email that some online commentators say exposes early tensions between key industry figures and overlapping financial interests.
While the story has drawn attention across social media, much of what’s being shared remains unproven. The episode highlights a familiar pattern in crypto: historical fragments resurface, speculation grows, and narratives expand faster than verifiable facts.
An Alleged 2014 Email Resurfaces
According to posts circulating online, a July 31, 2014 email attributed to tech entrepreneur Austin Hill carried the subject line “Stellar isn’t so Stellar.” The message allegedly warned that it was unhealthy for the crypto ecosystem when the same investors were “backing two horses in the same race,” referring to Ripple and Stellar.
Both projects are linked through Jed McCaleb, who co-founded Ripple before later launching Stellar. Commentators argue that the email suggests early power struggles and competition for influence during crypto’s formative years.
However, the authenticity of the email has not been independently verified, and no documentation has emerged to confirm its origin or context.
Claims About MIT, Donations, and Influence
Some narratives extend beyond the email itself, pointing to the involvement of Jeffrey Epstein as an alleged recipient and to his documented donations to MIT’s Media Lab. Public records do confirm that Epstein provided funding to MIT in the past, including to research programs.
What remains unsubstantiated are claims that such donations had any bearing on blockchain development, market outcomes, or regulatory attitudes toward specific crypto projects. So far, no evidence has surfaced linking academic funding to decision-making around Ripple, Stellar, or XRP.
Attempts to Tie Old Links to the SEC Case
Online speculation has also tried to connect these historical associations to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple, filed in 2020. Some point to former SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s time teaching blockchain-related courses at MIT as a potential conflict of interest.
Legal experts and court records, however, show that the Ripple case has been driven by formal filings, motions, and judicial rulings—not leaked emails or personal relationships.
Also Read: Why Institutions Are Flocking to Avalanche While XRP Faces Heavy ETF Outflows
Ripple CTO David Schwartz weighed in with a measured but reflective response, noting that harmful attitudes and internal suspicion ultimately damage the entire crypto industry. His remarks underline a broader concern about how conspiracy-driven narratives can fracture an already polarized space.
At present, there is no confirmation that the alleged 2014 email exists, nor that any of the claimed relationships influenced XRP’s development or regulatory treatment. Analysts stress the importance of distinguishing between documented facts and online theories, especially during volatile market periods when rumors tend to gain traction.
Until verifiable evidence emerges, these resurfaced claims remain part of crypto’s long history of speculation—interesting to examine, but not proof of hidden coordination or misconduct.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
