Changpeng Zhao responded to the controversy over giving merchandise to a New York Times reporter visiting his Abu Dhabi residence, saying that the gift was intended to turn the recipient into a “walking billboard,” and thanking the related report.
Article
【Changpeng Zhao responds to The New York Times visit: Wanted to give away free merchandise but it was implied to be a “bribe”; he simply wanted the reporter to be a “walking billboard”】
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao reposted a post about “a New York Times reporter visiting his home in Abu Dhabi for an interview” and responded that the reporter, David, acknowledged being skeptical of him and implied that his giving away free Binance merchandise was a “bribe.” He said the merchandise was intended to turn people into “walking billboards,” while still thanking the report.
The original post published by Ram said, “Binance merchandise was piled up outside Changpeng Zhao’s home, and he insisted that the reporter choose a gift. The reporter said he could not accept an item worth more than 20 USD，and Changpeng Zhao joked, ‘Probably worth 19 USD.’”
Key points
01
【Changpeng Zhao responds to The New York Times visit: Wanted to give away free merchandise but it was implied to be a “bribe”; he simply wanted the reporter to be a “walking billboard”】
02
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao reposted a post about “a New York Times reporter visiting his home in Abu Dhabi for an interview” and responded that the reporter, David, acknowledged being skeptical of him and implied that his giving away free Binance merchandise was a “bribe.” He said the merchandise was intended to turn people into “walking billboards,” while still thanking the report.
The original post published by Ram said, “Binance merchandise was piled up outside Changpeng Zhao’s home, and he insisted that the reporter choose a gift. The reporter said he could not accept an item worth more than 20 USD，and Changpeng Zhao joked, ‘Probably worth 19 USD.’”
AI-assisted interpretation
The following is analysis, separate from reported facts. Verify important claims independently.
BNB: The content mainly concerns gift-related communication and public-relations statements between Changpeng Zhao and the media during an interview; the available materials do not indicate any change in Binance’s operations,BNB use or market funding conditions.
Why it matters to readers
The information was relayed by a professional crypto media outlet quoting posts by Changpeng Zhao and Ram, but it did not provide links to Changpeng Zhao’s original post or The New York Times report; the key original statements cannot be independently verified from the materials provided. The event is a supplementary response concerning the same interview controversy and does not involve new developments at the regulatory, operational, or funding level.
Subject of focus:BNB. Observation period: short term
Risks and unknowns
The complete content of Changpeng Zhao’s original response post and Ram’s original post
The original text of The New York Times report and whether it contains verifiable new facts
Whether any formal follow-up statement has been issued by regulators, Binance, or Changpeng Zhao
BNB Countervailing condition affecting the impact assessment: If regulators subsequently launch an investigation into the relevant conduct, or verifiable new facts concerning corporate governance, operations, or funding are disclosed, the impact assessment may turn negative.
