Crypto Astrologer Maren Altman Faces Backlash Over Undisclosed Celsius Deal

Crypto Astrologer Maren Altman Faces Backlash Over Undisclosed Celsius Deal

Maren Altman, a well-known crypto astrologer and social media influencer, is facing criticism for failing to disclose a paid endorsement deal with Celsius, a crypto lending platform that recently filed for bankruptcy. According to reports, Altman received $30,000 from Celsius in the months leading up to its collapse. The controversy has sparked debates about transparency in influencer marketing and the ethics of promoting financial services without proper disclosure.

Altman's Defense and Response

Altman has defended her actions, stating that she was never paid in CEL tokens, Celsius's native cryptocurrency. She shared screenshots of her contract on social media, claiming that all her deliverables were fully disclosed. Altman argued that being sponsored is not something to hide and that anything not outlined in the contract was unrelated to the deal. She also mentioned that her legal team is addressing any false accusations related to the matter.

Celsius's Ongoing Legal Troubles

Celsius, once a prominent crypto lending platform, continues to face legal challenges. Recent reports revealed that three top executives, including former CEO Alex Mashinsky and CTO Nuke Goldstein, withdrew approximately $56.12 million in cryptocurrency before the company's bankruptcy. These actions have raised concerns about the executives' knowledge of the company's financial health prior to its collapse.

Altman's Admission of Trusting Celsius

In a media interview, Altman admitted that her mistake was trusting Celsius. She claimed she had no knowledge of the company's financial struggles, stating, "Not a clue, no visibility on anything other than my marketing campaign." This admission has further fueled criticism, with many questioning how influencers can promote financial platforms without understanding their stability.

The Broader Implications

The situation highlights the importance of transparency in influencer marketing, particularly in the crypto space. As the industry continues to evolve, regulators and consumers are increasingly calling for clearer disclosure practices to protect investors from potential risks. Altman's case serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with promoting financial services.