Ben McKenzie Exposes Crypto's Dark Side in New Documentary

The 'O.C.' star turns investigative journalist to uncover the truth behind the crypto craze.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 7:40am

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An extreme close-up of a tangle of wires, circuit boards, and metallic components, representing the complex and obscure infrastructure of the cryptocurrency industry.McKenzie's documentary exposes the hidden machinery behind the crypto craze, where the public image often masks a darker reality.Brooklyn Today

Actor Ben McKenzie, best known for his role on the hit TV show 'The O.C.', has taken on a new project - directing a documentary called 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' that delves into the world of cryptocurrency. Inspired by his own skepticism about Bitcoin after receiving bad financial advice from a friend, McKenzie partnered with journalist Jacob Silverman to investigate the crypto industry, including conducting a revealing interview with Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX who is now imprisoned.

Why it matters

McKenzie's documentary shines a light on the murky and often deceptive practices within the crypto industry, which has seen massive growth in recent years fueled by celebrity endorsements and hype. As more people invest in cryptocurrencies, understanding the risks and lack of regulation is crucial for consumers.

The details

McKenzie, who has a degree in economics, became increasingly skeptical of cryptocurrency after a friend urged him to invest in Bitcoin. Digging deeper, he connected with journalist Jacob Silverman to co-author a book on the topic. During their reporting, McKenzie decided to document the process, leading to the creation of 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money'. A key moment in the film is McKenzie's interview with Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX who is now imprisoned, in which Bankman-Fried struggles to articulate a clear rationale for cryptocurrency.

  • McKenzie began working on the documentary during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when he was unable to work on TV projects.
  • The documentary is set to premiere at the Coolidge Corner Cinema in Boston on April 24, 2026, with a Q&A session featuring McKenzie.

The players

Ben McKenzie

An actor best known for his roles in 'The O.C.' and 'Gotham', who has now turned his attention to investigating the crypto industry through a new documentary.

Jacob Silverman

A journalist who partnered with McKenzie to co-author a book on cryptocurrency, which led to the creation of the documentary 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money'.

Sam Bankman-Fried

The former CEO of FTX, a major cryptocurrency exchange, who is now imprisoned and was interviewed by McKenzie for the documentary.

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What they’re saying

“Sam was, in retrospect, playing a part. The public image he developed was this wunderkind California Golden Boy whose parents are professors of law at Stanford, who went to MIT. He emerged out of nowhere as this multi-billion dollar crypto entrepreneur. An image that was being fed all over the financial press.”

— Ben McKenzie, Actor and Documentary Director

“It just got more and more bizarre with his inability to articulate a real reason for crypto. But his empire hadn't collapsed yet. I wondered, if the emperor is this naked, what does this say about what's to come? And sure enough, everything did get worse.”

— Ben McKenzie, Actor and Documentary Director

What’s next

McKenzie will participate in a Q&A session following the 7 p.m. screening of 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' at the Coolidge Corner Cinema in Boston on April 24, 2026.

The takeaway

McKenzie's documentary provides a cautionary tale about the risks and deception within the cryptocurrency industry, which has been fueled by hype and celebrity endorsements. As more people invest in crypto, understanding these issues is crucial for consumers.