What began as a somewhat light-hearted debate between two opposing bitcoin mindsets has devolved into a fiasco. New York University Professor and bitcoin critic Nouriel Roubini has threatened a lawsuit towards BitMEX and its CEO Arthur Hayes over what he calls unfair treatment in the aftermath of their ‘Tangle in Taipei’ debate.
Roubini Threatens Lawsuit
Roubini claims to be unfairly represented in a video of the debate released by Arthur Hayes. According to the NYU Professor, Hayes prohibited organizers of the event from live-streaming the discussion, in addition to blocking audience members from recording what was being said.
Hayes now owns the media rights to the debate, including the only footage existing between the two.
Don’t worry our tapes will exposure your thin grasp of economics and technology. After seeing these tapes, I would be surprised if you were allowed into any higher learning institution. https://t.co/nTDQIUlaHV
— Arthur Hayes (@CryptoHayes) July 3, 2019
The Block was able to publish a transcript of the debate, but Roubini claims the footage eventually released by Hayes to media outlets was purposively doctored to misrepresent him and support a pro-bitcoin stance.
Roubini took to Twitter on July 5 with harsh words for Hayes, publicly insulting the crypto exchange CEO.
@CryptoHayes is the biggest asshole, jerk, manipulator and criminal in the world. He is sending to select media a doctored edited highlights video of the debate to make me look bad cutting off all my points.I will sue them. This is sick criminal behaviour.Will not pass you coward
— Nouriel Roubini (@Nouriel) July 5, 2019
Trading Insults
Roubini has continued to refer to bitcoin and crypto-asset investors as gamblers, a theme he continued in his debate with Arthur Hayes.
The NYU Professor said,
“These [crypto investors] don’t give a shit about anything…they make money off gambling.”
Roubini also has a pinned tweet on his official account calling the BitMEX business model an attempt to bankrupt “degenerate gamblers” and “clueless retail suckers” with their 100-times leverage product.
In the debate, Hayes called out Roubini’s unprofessional behavior and personal insults, questioning why a professor at a prestigious institution would sink to that level.
Twitter users weighed in on the exchange, with some imploring Roubini to consider his behavior before further tarnishing his reputation.
You should seek psychological help, look how much time you spend being angry on a social media… Not good for your health. Also the world is going to change regardless of your approval or not, need to get over it.
— thefly_btc (@theflycrypt) July 5, 2019
Others seem to be enjoying the show.
— Larry Cermak (@lawmaster) July 5, 2019
Earlier today, BitMEX published a “teaser” to the debate and indicated that more would follow.
