Cryptocurrencies have evolved from a niche digital trend into a multi-trillion-dollar global industry. What began as an experiment in decentralized finance has now infiltrated nearly every corner of modern life—including sports betting, online retail, e-commerce, and digital content creation.
Platforms offering everything from megaways slots to streaming services have started integrating blockchain-based payment systems, signaling crypto’s widespread adoption. One of the industries most visibly influenced by this shift is entertainment. Celebrities—whether actors, musicians, athletes, influencers, or entrepreneurs—have increasingly gotten involved in the crypto space.
Some are investors looking to diversify their portfolios, while others use their platforms to endorse new coins, NFT projects, or blockchain startups. Their presence brings mainstream attention to digital assets, accelerating public interest and adoption.
However, celebrity involvement is a double-edged sword. While some stars have backed legitimate, forward-thinking blockchain initiatives, others have promoted questionable coins or been associated with failed projects. From genuine believers to bandwagoners, the impact of celebrity actions in the crypto world has been both powerful and polarizing.
Celebrities Who Own Cryptocurrencies
Elon Musk – Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum
Elon Musk isn’t just a tech mogul; he’s a major voice in the crypto world. Tesla’s $1.5 billion Bitcoin investment in 2021, followed by their decision to accept Bitcoin payments, marked a turning point. Although Tesla later sold 75% of its BTC citing environmental concerns, it still holds around 10,000 BTC. Musk is particularly fond of Dogecoin—calling himself the “Dogefather”—and is speculated to own a large share. He also holds Ethereum and has stated he intends to “HODL” his assets.
Gwyneth Paltrow – Bitcoin
In 2017, the Oscar-winning actress, Gwyneth Paltrow became an investor in the Bitcoin wallet app Abra, lending credibility to the space and helping increase public trust in Bitcoin.
Maisie Williams – Bitcoin
The Game of Thrones star asked her fans on Twitter if she should buy Bitcoin. Despite most voters saying no, she went ahead—and profited. Since then, she’s become an outspoken supporter.
Mike Tyson – Bitcoin
Tyson has been involved with Bitcoin since 2016, even launching a branded wallet with Bitcoin Direct. Though his Bitcoin ATM venture didn’t take off, he remains an enthusiastic crypto supporter.
Snoop Dogg – Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs
Snoop embraced crypto early on, accepting it as payment for his music in 2013. He’s since promoted various crypto-friendly businesses and revealed himself as NFT collector “Cozomo de’ Medici,” actively investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and numerous NFT projects.
Lindsay Lohan – Ethereum, NFTs
Living in tax-free Dubai, Lohan has launched several NFT collections on the Ethereum blockchain, combining music and digital art. She’s a consistent promoter of blockchain technology and decentralization.
Tom Brady – Bitcoin, FTX
The NFL legend was a prominent ambassador for FTX, holding 1.8 million shares alongside then-wife Gisele Bündchen. After the exchange collapsed, they reportedly lost $30 million. While he was later compensated, Brady remains optimistic about DeFi’s future.
Paris Hilton – Ethereum, NFTs
Paris Hilton was an early backer of crypto and one of the first celebrities to launch her own NFTs. She played a key role in bringing crypto and digital collectibles into mainstream pop culture.
Ashton Kutcher – Bitcoin, Ethereum, Blockchain Ventures
Kutcher, through Sound Ventures and A-Grade Investments, has backed several blockchain startups. He’s a long-time crypto believer, consistently investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and blockchain innovation.
Serena Williams – Coinbase
In 2019, Serena revealed her firm Serena Ventures had invested in Coinbase, signaling trust in crypto as a stable asset class and encouraging other athletes to follow suit.
Celebrities Who Promoted Cryptocurrencies
Celebrity promotions in crypto can be powerful but risky. When informed and transparent, endorsements help drive awareness. But when driven by compensation without understanding, they can mislead audiences and damage reputations.
Matt Damon – Crypto.com
Damon’s “Fortune Favors the Brave” campaign for Crypto.com was widely seen but unfortunately coincided with a crypto market downturn, leading to criticism despite his good intentions.
Kim Kardashian – EthereumMax
Kardashian promoted EthereumMax on Instagram without disclosing it was a paid endorsement. The SEC fined her $1.26 million. Since then, she’s avoided any further public crypto engagement.
Floyd Mayweather – Centra Tech, EthereumMax
Mayweather promoted several questionable projects, including Centra Tech, whose founders were convicted of fraud. He was fined by the SEC for failing to disclose payments, and his second attempt with EthereumMax also flopped.
DJ Khaled – Centra Tech
DJ Khaled was also fined for promoting Centra Tech without disclosure. Since then, he’s been silent about any crypto or NFT involvement, a cautionary tale in celebrity promotions gone wrong.
Larry David – FTX
In a Super Bowl ad, David jokingly dismissed FTX—ironically predicting its failure. After the company’s collapse, he was sued for misleading investors despite the comedic nature of the endorsement.
Steph Curry – FTX
Curry lost millions as a global ambassador for FTX. Though later compensated, he’s refrained from promoting any digital assets since.
Reese Witherspoon – Ethereum, NFTs
Partnering with the World of Women NFT project, Witherspoon advocates for female representation in Web3. She frequently promotes Ethereum and NFTs with a focus on inclusivity and tech empowerment.
Jimmy Fallon – Bored Ape Yacht Club
Fallon’s ownership and promotion of a Bored Ape NFT helped popularize the NFT trend. However, he was also fined for failing to disclose his paid endorsement.
The Influence (and Risk) of Celebrity Involvement in Crypto
Celebrity endorsements can bring massive visibility to cryptocurrencies. Elon Musk’s Dogecoin tweets moved markets. Paris Hilton and Jimmy Fallon helped bring NFTs to pop culture. Campaigns from Damon and Brady introduced crypto to everyday consumers.
But influence isn’t always positive. When celebrities promote sketchy coins or exchanges—like EthereumMax or FTX—they can damage public trust and face legal consequences. The SEC has since cracked down, fining multiple stars and establishing stricter promotional rules.
Why Are Celebrities Drawn to Crypto?
Crypto offers celebrities several benefits:
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Asset protection from inflation
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Portfolio diversification
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New monetization opportunities via NFTs
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Media relevance during crypto hype cycles
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First-mover advantage in emerging tech
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Philanthropic potential through decentralized initiatives
Investors like Ashton Kutcher represent the forward-thinking, informed side of celebrity crypto involvement. Others chase trends or publicity—often with disastrous results.
The cryptocurrency space is advancing—with or without celebrity involvement. Still, public figures will likely continue influencing its future. Whether they use their platforms to invest wisely or push questionable projects, their impact is undeniable—and often unforgettable.
