Echoes of Crypto’s Wild West: CZ’s Memoir Ignites Blast from the Past with OKX Founder
The ink on Changpeng “CZ” Zhao’s new memoir, “Freedom of Money,” is barely dry, yet its pages are already stirring up an old tempest within the crypto community. The Binance co-founder’s introspective look at his journey has, perhaps unsurprisingly, reignited a fiery public spat with none other than Star Xu, the enigmatic founder of OKX. Xu, never one to shy from a digital confrontation, has wasted no time in publicly challenging CZ’s narrative, labeling it as a collection of convenient fictions.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: Unearthing Old Battlegrounds
CZ’s “Freedom of Money” serves as a chronological confessional, offering readers his perspective on the often-turbulent early days of cryptocurrency. Among the most potent revelations and hotly contested accounts are those surrounding a specific contract dispute dating back to his tenure at OKCoin. CZ frames this period as one riddled with attempts by competitors to undermine him through what he terms “fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD),” portraying him as an inept chief technical officer — accusations that, he implies, were strategically deployed to derail his nascent career.
But the memoir’s most explosive allegation comes not directly from CZ, but from an attributed quote by Huobi founder Leon Li. CZ’s book reportedly includes a startling claim, purportedly made by Li in 2025 (a curious temporal detail that adds an intriguing layer to the narrative), suggesting that Xu had previously reported Li to the authorities. This particular anecdote, dropped like a bombshell, adds a new, dramatic dimension to the historical animosity between these titans of the industry.
Star Xu’s Retort: A Barrage of Denials and Renewed Accusations
Unsurprisingly, Star Xu has met these allegations with an unyielding barrage of denials. He has consistently maintained his innocence regarding any involvement in reporting Leon Li, vigorously pushing back against Li’s alleged statement within CZ’s memoir. Taking to various online platforms, Xu’s recent postings have been unvarnished, referring to CZ with the scathing epithet of “a habitual liar.”
Beyond the Huobi founder’s claim, Xu has systematically disputed several other assertions presented in “Freedom of Money.” Most notably, he has resurrected his long-standing and serious accusation that CZ himself once falsified contract documents – a claim that strikes at the very heart of integrity within the often-opaque world of cryptocurrency dealings. This isn’t merely a disagreement over past events; it’s a fundamental clash over trustworthiness and reputation, playing out on the public stage for all crypto enthusiasts to witness.
As these two influential figures trade barbs, the crypto community is reminded that while the technology may evolve, the human drama, rivalries, and unwritten histories of its pioneers continue to shape its narrative, often with more fireworks than financial charts.
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