Not All That Glitters is Gold: FTX Celebrity Lawsuit Fizzles, a Wizard's Perspective

A Shadow of Doubt Lifts

Hmph! News arrives from across the Great Water from a land called Florida. It seems a judge one K. Michael Moore has thrown out much of the case against those bright stars who shone for the… questionable venture called FTX. Celebrities they call them. Like beacons on a hill yet perhaps as easily misled as a Took on an adventure.

The Council's Deliberations... and a Judge's

These celebrities Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen among them stood accused of leading innocent investors into a dark forest of financial ruin. But the judge in his wisdom saw that while these stars may have been… *unwise* in their endorsements they did not appear to *know* the darkness that lurked beneath FTX's glittering surface. It reminds me of Saruman fair of face but rotten at the core! But alas even I cannot simply *wish* guilt upon them if the evidence is not there. As I always say 'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us' and it seems that court decided these celebrity's time is best spent elsewhere than in court.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost... Just Misled?

The plaintiffs those who lost coin in this venture claimed the celebrities were paid handsomely to lure them in a deception worthy of a goblin's trick! But proving *intent* that is the rub. It is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands! The judge seems to believe these stars were merely… 'uninformed negligent or even reckless.' Words that echo through the halls of Minas Tirith I daresay when Gondor's coffers are low!

The Shadow Still Lingers

Fear not for the battle is not yet over! Two claims remain against these stars faint embers in the ashes. And the plaintiffs have been given leave to amend their complaint to seek stronger proof. Perhaps they shall find it like Aragorn finding Anduril the Sword That Was Broken. Until then however I urge caution to all: 'It is not the strength of the body but the strength of the spirit.' Weigh your investments wisely young hobbits and do not be swayed by mere shiny trinkets.

A Lesson From the Shire

Even Shaquille O'Neal a giant of a man has settled with a group of investors. Though the details are as secret as the paths of the Dead Men it is a reminder that even the mightiest can stumble. Remember what I said to Pippin 'Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.' Perhaps this settlement will change the course of how celebrities endorse such ventures.

Fly You Fools... Wisely!

So let us take heed from this tale. Let us be wary of promises that sound too good to be true for often they are. Let us remember the wisdom of Elrond: 'Dark is the water and cold are the wells.' And let us hope that the plaintiffs find the evidence they seek for justice like the One Ring must eventually be found. Now I must away! There is a long road ahead and I have a suspicion that Bilbo is attempting to bake another one of his 'adventurous' cakes. Hmph! It would not do to let him set Bag End ablaze. Farewell!