BitBoy Crypto’s latest controversy centers on the dramatic unraveling of the influencer’s career—stemming from accusations of undisclosed paid promotions, sketchy token launches, legal blowback, and personal turmoil that spiraled into a full-scale reputational collapse.
Early Rise and Prominence in Crypto Influence
BitBoy, aka Ben Armstrong, emerged as a prominent crypto influencer from around 2018, amassing a subscriber base well over a million across YouTube and social media . His fast-talking, bullish videos resonated with newcomers eager for market tips and altcoin picks .
Patterns of Undisclosed Promotions and Scam Allegations
Over time, evidence surfaced suggesting that many of BitBoy’s endorsements were paid promotions—not disclosed as such. Blockchain sleuths and investigative reporting revealed that he charged tens of thousands per video and that several projects he promoted later rug-pulled or failed, leaving investors burned . Social media threads documented his link to at least seven alleged scams, including DISTX, MYX, ETHY, and others—videos of which he later deleted or unlisted .
One takedown thread bluntly summarized: “He has been scamming his own fans for years and then deletes the videos… so newcomers can’t know what kind of person he is” .
Legal Struggles Mounting
As scrutiny increased, BitBoy faced cascading legal battles. He joined a class-action lawsuit involving FTX promotions, was nailed for misleading investment advice, and lost credibility in sections of the community . In 2022, he sued fellow YouTuber Atozy for defamation—but soon withdrew the case under backlash .
In early 2024, he halted his daily livestream show after three years, citing unsustainable costs—roughly $25,000 weekly on production and $100,000 monthly in legal fees . He admitted getting “lawyers coming at me from every angle” and that he had “lost everything” .
Business Fallout: Ousted from His Own Brand
In August 2023, BJ Investment Holdings and Hit Network officially severed ties with Armstrong—citing emotional, physical, and financial damages he caused several employees, along with substance abuse concerns . The move stripped him of the very brand that had made him influential—BitBoy Crypto .
Token Turmoil: BEN Coin Collapse
Armstrong’s attempt to shift from commentator to creator came via launching his own meme token, $BEN, in mid-2023. That move fired up the token price fast—but he reportedly sold all his holdings within a week, despite pledging to lock them for six months . The token crashed more than 85% from its peak, inflicting heavy losses on early holders . Public attention turned to blockchain data showing massive insider sell-offs shortly after his endorsements—a textbook pump-and-dump pattern .
Personal Chaos Compounds the Collapse
Beyond professional struggles, Armstrong’s personal life unraveled. A widely publicized extramarital affair was revealed during a live stream, and his wife filed for divorce in late 2023 . Financially, he lost assets— including a Lamborghini—during settlement processes and suffered months of declining revenue from a reported $500K to around $50K .
According to detailed reports, his collapse accelerated into 2025. A domestic incident led to arrest, his child support and alimony debts rose, and he faced serious felony charges including threats against a judge, landing him in custody with an ongoing bail hearing .
Expert Insight on Influencer Risk
“I think what you have to ask with any influencer is who they’re actually serving — or if they’re just serving themselves.”
— Critic quoted by Washington Post
This cuts to the core of BitBoy’s controversy: blurred lines between genuine advice and paid hype. His story has become a case study, prompting calls for clearer regulation of influencer-led financial promotions.
Conclusions: Fall of a Crypto Celebrity
BitBoy Crypto’s downfall reveals how unchecked influence can collapse under its own contradictions. Driven partly by momentum, partly by opportunism, the rise-and-fall arc uncover reliance on hype, lack of disclosure, and personal missteps. His fate turned from internet fame to courtroom drama and jail cell.
His case underscores a broader need: crypto influencers aren’t just entertainers—they can sway markets, affect investor decisions. Without transparency, the damage can be profound.
FAQs
What triggered the BitBoy Crypto controversy?
The controversy stems from undisclosed paid promotions, shilling of questionable tokens that later collapsed, and mounting legal and personal scandals.
Was BitBoy removed from his own brand?
Yes. In August 2023, the parent company severed ties with Ben Armstrong amid allegations of misconduct and substance abuse.
What happened with $BEN token?
BitBoy launched the meme token $BEN and promised a lock-up. Yet he reportedly sold his holdings quickly, triggering a crash exceeding 85%, intensifying trust issues.
Did he face legal consequences?
Definitely. He faced lawsuits—some he filed, some he was named in—and stopped his livestream due to high legal costs. As of 2025, he’s facing criminal charges and legal action.
Has any expert commented on this situation?
Yes—a Washington Post critic underscored the deeper issue: influencers might serve their own interests rather than their audience, a reminder of the trust-risk dynamic in education-driven finance.
What lessons does this scandal offer?
It highlights why financial advice by influencers demands transparency. Undisclosed promotions, hype-driven token launches, and personal credibility all shape outcomes—educating audiences and regulating platforms seems more urgent than ever.
