- HBOโs Satoshi documentary took Bitcoin to mainstream audiences.
- Bitcoin hater Peter Schiff feels left out.
- The Schiff-Bitcoin conspiracy thickens.
HBO’s Satoshi documentary aired this week, claiming to have uncovered the true identity of Bitcoinโs creator. While the documentary’s big reveal, naming developer Peter Todd as Satoshi, was met with skepticism, it sparked widespread discussion and brought renewed mainstream attention to Bitcoin.
Prominent gold bug and Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff voiced his frustration at being left out of the documentary. Schiff, who considers himself “the most well-known Bitcoin critic,” felt he deserved a spot in the production.
Schiff: I Should Have Featured in the Satoshi Documentary
The recent Satoshi documentary thrust Bitcoin into the mainstream spotlight, but it received mixed reviews. While the production quality was praised, critics mostly slammed the film for its flimsy evidence and speculative claims about Satoshiโs identity.
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After watching the documentary, Schiff took to social media, arguing that as Bitcoinโs leading critic, he should have been included in the production.
Producer Cullen Hoback responded, explaining that only so much airtime was available for criticism. Nouriel “Dr. Doom” Roubini was chosen for his long-standing critique of Bitcoin and his “archival interactions” with key figures.
Hobackโs reasoning didnโt sit well with Schiff, who argued that his libertarian stance and claim as the original “Dr. Doom” made him a better choice than Roubini. He also pointed to his proven track record in financial predictions and his early warnings about Celsius co-founder Alex Mashinsky, whom he accused of running a Ponzi scheme before its collapse.
Is Schiff a Closet Bitcoiner?
Despite making Bitcoin criticism his brand, Schiff shares several common beliefs among Bitcoin investors. Like many in the crypto space, he supports the libertarian idea that free markets are more efficient than state intervention and recognizes the flaws in the fiat money system.
Interestingly, SchiffGold was an early adopter of crypto payments, accepting Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum for gold and silver purchases as far back as 2014.
More recently, in March, as Bitcoin reached a new all-time high, Schiff began promoting his “Golden Triumph” Bitcoin Ordinals collection. This move irked some Bitcoiners, who accused him of hypocrisy for selling Bitcoin NFTs while continuing to criticize the cryptocurrency.
These moves suggest that Schiff, despite his vocal opposition, at least acknowledges Bitcoinโs role as a medium for exchanging value.
On the Flipside
- Complaining about Bitcoin keeps it in the public discourse.
- Some believe Satoshi Nakamoto should be left alone.
- Gold has been on a tear since February.
Why This Matters
Schiff’s outrage at being left out reveals that even Bitcoin’s most vocal critic is desperate to remain part of its story.
Peter Schiff renews Bitcoin criticism in rant on real scarcity.
Schiff Dismisses Bitcoin as Goldโs Digital Imposter
Joe Rogan pans Bitcoin and NFTs in his latest podcast.
Joe Rogan Burns Crypto, NFTs: โI Donโt Even Know What It Isโ