The CEO of this major crypto data firm just hit the eject button after his online political commentary put his company in hot water.
Ryan Selkis, founder and CEO of the crypto data and research platform Messari, resigned from his position on Friday, citing his public political comments online as the reason.
He stated on the social media platform X that his political views and rhetoric had, for the first time in 6.5 years, jeopardized the team’s safety, leading him to step down as CEO.
Messari’s Chief Revenue Officer, Eric Turn, will assume the role of CEO, as confirmed by Selkis in a published statement. Prior to his resignation, Selkis mentioned having a candid discussion with the Messari team regarding his public remarks, expressing gratitude for their support and understanding. He acknowledged that he had been too outspoken recently and promised to address the issue fully soon.
Selkis published numerous statements following the attempted assassination of former United States president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Although he deleted his comments and set his X account to private, writer and software engineer Molly White reposted them online. White operates the crypto-critical publication Web3 is Going Just Great.
Selkis expressed extreme views in his deleted posts, including a statement wishing harm upon those voting against Trump and referencing a “literal war.” In response to White’s reposting of his comments, Selkis apologized for his anger, acknowledged his admiration for Trump and his sacrifices, and admitted to taking things too far after witnessing years of hostility culminating in the attack on Trump. He emphasized that they would prevail through character, strength, and non-violence, and held no ill will towards White.
