If you haven’t been following the exciting tales of John McAfee lately, then you’ve been missing out on another incredible chapter in his career as a cryptocurrency promoter. The libertarian U.S. Presidential hopeful appears to have gotten into another conflict with an aspiring dark coin, and they are now demanding $100 million in compensation.
The South China Zombie Research Center, who first appeared on Twitter on August 15, 2019, believes they can train Zombies, who they totally believe exist, to accept crypto payments to not eat humans. To develop that crypto, they hired John McAfee to write their white paper and promote their cause, the CZ coin.
McAfee, who does not appear to be a true believer in the zombie threat, could not refuse the deal and began tweeting his support for their project.
I believe the South China Zombie Research Center has a high likelihood of being totally fraudulent. But – they are paying me, and in the one chance in a million that they are not a fraud, I did ask them to post to the public about measures they use to keep zombies in. Here it is: https://t.co/CFFIDS0ib1
— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) August 26, 2019
Several news outlets pointed out how crazy this all sounds, but if this is a joke, the Zombie research people and McAfee both deny it. To prove as much, McAfee posted a preliminary draft of his white paper on September 4. In it, he spends the majority of the first two pages describing the terms of his employment, and his personal belief in the project.
I was also promised a staggering percentage of the coins. The amount of cash up front that I was paid was $4.5 million usd. In addition, I demanded and received 20% of their entire intended issuance of coins.
Even if someone held a gun to my head, I could not muster any statement more positive than: DO NOT INVEST IN THIS SHITCOIN!! Under any circumstances, at any time for any reason.
Only an idiot would consider, even under conditions involving the most extreme warping of reality, investing in this coin or any offshoot of this abomination!
The foreward also hammers home on two important points. First, that McAfee promised to be honest in his belief, or apparent disbelief, in the project. Secondly, that he believes his honesty should clear him of any guilt with the Securities and Exchange Commission should they come after his involvement.
Playing their role in the farce, the Zombie Research center replied swiftly, playing the victim in another alleged McAfee scam:
https://twitter.com/china_zombie/status/1169585507094994945
For his part, Mcafee responded that this is all just a big misunderstanding.
This is a misunderstanding. My "Disclaimer" section is an exaggerated, tongue in cheek rendering of what will appear in the final paper. I clearly stated: "Preliminary Incomplete". Nuanced humor is alien to the chinese culture. They will drop the $100 million suit when I explain. https://t.co/Dwjs0Ojqkd
— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) September 5, 2019
The whole story raises more questions than anyone is likely to want to answer. Is this a publicity stunt? Are either the zombie researchers or McAfee being serious? Is he just trying to send a message with a bit of satire? We may have to wait to find out, as McAfee now suggests he’s been kidnapped by Serbian drug lords.
I've been kidnapped by men in an armored limo. They speak Serbian with heavy Australian accents and claim to be only partially circumcised (left half of foreskin). I saw little benefit and declined to follow suit. They got good drugs. Should I sound an alarm or invite my friends? pic.twitter.com/trd7UiKgxI
— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) September 5, 2019
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