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Internal emails reveal Ripple’s push for the “Bitcoin is controlled by China” narrative.
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These emails reveal a coordinated PR campaign orchestrated by RippleLabs in 2018.
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Ripple has accused rivals and regulators of unfair treatment for years, but documents show otherwise.
In the current SEC case against Ripple Labs, internal emails from the company have been disclosed and presented as evidence.
These emails suggest Ripple actively promoted that “Bitcoin was controlled by China.”
Leaked emails show Ripple executives pushing anti-Bitcoin & Ethereum narrative
The emails, which go back to 2018, indicate a coordinated public relations effort. This effort was designed to paint Bitcoin and Ethereum in an unfavorable light. Ripple’s token XRP was also positioned as a superior option.
Internal Ripple emails, submitted in the SEC’s lawsuit over unregistered securities sales, reveal the company was behind promoting the “Bitcoin is controlled by China” FUD. pic.twitter.com/3jEuqXH22q
— Bitcoin News (@BitcoinNewsCom) March 9, 2025
“China + Bitcoin: A coordinated messaging strategy”
The internal communication contains a section entitled “China + Bitcoin.” Ripple executives discuss how the narrative that Bitcoin was controlled by China is consistent with previous statements made Ripple leadership. The email says:
“This feels similar to what Brad [redacted] and [redacted] have already said publicly about Bitcoin being controlled by China.”
Public Claims of CEO Brad Garlinghouse Aligned with PR Strategy
Brad Garlinghouse is the CEO of Ripple and has made many public claims about Bitcoin’s centralization.
Related Anthony Scaramucci Drops Hint That SEC Has Dropped Case on Ripple; Fuels XRP Prices
He often cited the dominance Chinese mining pools. These emails show that this rhetoric wasn’t just an observation. Ripple’s public relations strategy was behind this.
The Attack is Increasing: Explicitly targeting Bitcoin & Ethereum
One of the most telling emails is the discussion on whether to escalate the story. This escalation will involve explicitly naming both Bitcoin and Ethereum. In an email, a Ripple executive asked:
How is the bitcoin/China tale different from the story we’re already working on with [redacted]?” “Are we willing to have someone go on record to specifically mention Bitcoin and Ethereum?”
Related: Ripple CEO Lauds White House Crypto Summit and Calls for Industry Unification
XRP is positioned as superior alternative in 2018 market battle
This question suggests Ripple wasn’t just pointing out centralization of mining as a neutral truth. It was also actively strategizing on how to use it to XRP’s advantage.
The email exchange strongly suggests an attempt to influence public perception. This influence was meant to be achieved by associating Bitcoin with negative geopolitical implications.
Ripple XRP vs. Bitcoin Narrative Wars
Ripple was engaged in a fierce battle during the time these emails were sent, which was 2018. It was trying position XRP to be a legitimate, efficient alternative to Bitcoin.
Ripple wanted to make XRP look like a superior digital currency to Bitcoin. To achieve this, Ripple publicly criticized Bitcoin’s centralization.
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