“Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Larry David’s appearance in a commercial for embattled cryptocurrency exchange FTX went viral on Thursday – with social media users pointing out that the comedian’s skeptical stance in the ad was accurate all along was.
The spot, which aired during last February’s Super Bowl, features the “Seinfeld” co-creator cynically dismissing famous inventions down the ages – from the creation of the wheel to Thomas Edison’s lightbulb. The ad culminates in David dismissing FTX as a doomed project.
“Like I said, it’s FTX. It’s a safe and easy way to get into crypto,” an actor portraying an FTX executive tells David in the ad.
“Ehhhh, I don’t think so,” David replies with a grin. “And I’m never wrong about this stuff — never!”
The commercial ends with a message that says, “Don’t be like Larry. Don’t miss the next big thing” while encouraging viewers to sign up for FTX.
FTX, once a leading cryptocurrency, is now threatened with imminent collapse and bankruptcy following a sudden liquidity crisis. Led by cryptocurrency billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried, the platform appeared to have secured a lifeline through a bailout deal with rival exchange Binance — which later resigned from FTX over concerns over finances.
Bankman-Fried admitted in a lengthy Twitter thread Thursday that he “screwed up” his management of FTX prior to its meltdown. His net worth has plummeted along with the value of FTX.
FTX is now scrambling to make up a shortfall of up to $8 billion to remain solvent and avoid a complete collapse.
As FTX’s fortunes spiraled this week, social media users realized that David’s skepticism in the Super Bowl commercial was eerily accurate.
“Larry David was a wise man. He doesn’t get #crypto. RIP FTX”, wrote one user next to a link to the commercial.
“Trust Larry David people. You can’t do that on FTX.” said another user.
Others were less charitable in their remarks – slamming David, NFL legend Tom Brady and others for promoting FTX in the first place. Brady and his estranged wife Gisele Bundchen served as brand ambassadors for FTX.
“FTX basically needs this bailout for all crypto… I can’t imagine that normal investors watching Tom Brady, Larry David and all the influencers on Youtube promoting this thing reacted like that. Too awful to imagine,” said YouTuber Coffeezilla.
