Nikolas Sargeant
Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated launch of his memecoin, "REAL," has faced significant hurdles, culminating in a failed token sale. Despite efforts to ensure fairness through a sealed-bid auction, the event did not go as planned. The auction, designed to eliminate issues with bots and unfair bidding, was met with difficulties, and McGregor’s team is now offering refunds to those who participated. The failed launch highlights the complexities of cryptocurrency projects, especially when celebrity endorsements are involved.
McGregor, a former UFC champion, has been vocal about his desire to change the landscape of crypto with the introduction of "REAL." The token, intended to offer staking rewards and governance rights, was designed in collaboration with the Real World Gaming DAO. His team promised that the memecoin would differ from other celebrity-endorsed tokens by focusing on transparency and integrity. Despite these claims, the project’s rocky start has raised questions about the viability of such ventures.
The auction, which ran from April 5 to 6, aimed to avoid the pitfalls of traditional token launches, such as “rug pulls” and bot manipulation. However, the technical issues that plagued the event left many bidders frustrated, leading to the decision to offer refunds. This move is seen as a response to criticism and a way to restore trust in the project’s future endeavors.
While the memecoin market has become a playground for both enthusiasts and savvy traders, McGregor’s attempt to bring structure and fairness to the space may have been overshadowed by these early setbacks. As he continues to promote the "REAL" token, the mixed reactions to the failed launch will likely shape how future celebrity-backed crypto initiatives are received.
Memecoin Controversies
In a growing wave of government scrutiny, House Democrats have introduced a bill to prohibit public officials, including the President, from issuing or profiting from memecoins. This bill aims to curb potential conflicts of interest and prevent the abuse of influence for personal financial gain through the volatile world of cryptocurrencies. The proposal is partly in response to President Donald Trump’s controversial TRUMP token, which has drawn criticism for its potential to exploit the public’s trust in public office.
Adding fuel to the fire, Senator Elizabeth Warren has called for a federal investigation into Trump’s memecoin ventures, accusing the former president of unethical behavior. Warren’s concerns center around the risks posed to investors and the potential for manipulation within the highly speculative memecoin market. The growing political backlash highlights the intersection of cryptocurrency with ethics, transparency, and governance.
Further complicating the landscape, the $LIBRA cryptocurrency scandal has rocked the political world in Argentina. The scandal erupted when President Javier Milei promoted the $LIBRA coin in February 2025, causing a massive spike in its price. However, shortly after the hype, the coin experienced a dramatic price collapse, leading to accusations of a rug-pull scam and $250 million in investor losses. The episode, which has been dubbed “Cryptogate,” marks the first major political scandal of Milei’s presidency, raising concerns about the risks associated with high-profile political figures endorsing or promoting cryptocurrencies for personal gain.
