Hey there, meme coin enthusiasts! If you’ve been keeping an eye on the crypto world, you’ve probably noticed how celebrities often jump into the fray with their own token projects. But not all of these ventures turn out to be golden opportunities—some are outright wild rides that leave investors burned. A recent thread by StarPlatinum on X dives into the craziest celebrity-led crypto scams of 2025, and we’re here at Meme Insider to break it down for you. Let’s unpack this juicy thread and see what lessons we can learn!
The Snake Oil of Crypto: A Visual Metaphor
The thread kicks off with a striking image that sets the tone.
Andrew Tate’s $DADDY Debacle
The thread starts with Andrew Tate’s $DADDY token. According to the post, insiders snatched up 30% of the supply before Tate hyped it on X. The token saw some wild pumps and dumps but never recovered its initial price. This is a classic case of insider manipulation—where those in the know profit while regular investors take the hit. If you’re new to crypto, this means the people behind the project bought a huge chunk early, drove up the price with hype, then sold off, leaving the token worthless. A harsh lesson in doing your research!
The Ugandan Priest Meme Coin
Next up is the Ugandan priest turned meme legend, known for the “Why are you gay?” meme. He launched a token that got a boost from influencers like Mario Nawfal. But here’s the catch: 85% of the supply was controlled by the team, who then dumped it on unsuspecting investors. This kind of centralized control is a red flag in the crypto world, where decentralization is often the promise. It’s a stark reminder to check token distribution before jumping in.
Logan Paul’s CryptoZoo Fiasco
Logan Paul’s CryptoZoo is another wild story. Marketed as an NFT trading card game, it raised a whopping $18.5 million but never launched—leaving investors with nothing. This is what’s called a “rug pull” in crypto slang, where developers abandon a project after collecting funds. It’s a brutal example of how hype can overshadow substance.
Kim Kardashian and the $EMAX Crash
Kim Kardashian’s promotion of $EMAX on Instagram in 2021 led to a quick crash, with lawsuits claiming insiders dumped their holdings. She later paid $1.26 million for not disclosing a $250,000 payment. This highlights the importance of transparency—celebrities need to disclose when they’re paid to promote, or it’s a legal mess waiting to happen.
More Celebrity Fails
The thread doesn’t stop there. Jason Derulo’s $JASON token dropped 70%, and he blamed a partner before going silent. Lana Rhoades’ Cryptosis NFT project saw her vanish with $1.5 million in ETH. The Hawk Tuah Girl’s $HAWK token had 97% of its supply sniped and dumped, followed by a belated apology. And Caitlyn Jenner’s $JENNER token saw insiders dump $500,000. Each story follows a similar pattern: hype, insider profit, and investor loss.
What Can We Learn?
This thread is a goldmine for anyone interested in meme coins. The common thread? Lack of transparency, insider manipulation, and overreliance on celebrity names. If you’re thinking of investing, here are a few tips:
- Check Token Distribution: Look at who holds the supply—big insider ownership is a warning sign.
- Research the Team: Are they active and credible, or just riding the fame wave?
- Beware of Hype: Celebrity endorsements can pump prices, but they don’t guarantee success.
At Meme Insider, we’re all about helping you navigate this wild world. These scams show that while meme coins can be fun and profitable, they’re also a breeding ground for shady deals. Stay curious, stay skeptical, and always dig deeper before you invest. Got thoughts on these scandals? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!