In the early hours of November 23, 2024, the atmosphere was quiet and cold. The streets outside were dimly lit, the glow of neon lights fading as the sky began to lighten. Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, sat at his desk, his fingers resting lightly on the keyboard. His screen displayed Elon Musk's Twitter profile, with Musk’s iconic avatar standing out against the familiar blue interface.
After a brief pause, CZ exhaled deeply, reached out, and clicked "Unfollow."
A Relationship Once Rooted in Mutual Respect
Years earlier, CZ openly admired Elon Musk, frequently referring to him as a visionary leader reshaping the world through his ambitious plans for Mars exploration and Tesla's innovation. During Binance's formative years, CZ often engaged with Musk’s tweets, leveraging them to energize market activity. This collaboration appeared to reflect a shared enthusiasm for innovation and growth.
But over time, their paths diverged.
Musk increasingly wielded his Twitter influence to manipulate markets, pushing cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin, Bitcoin, and even lesser-known tokens into the spotlight. His offhand remarks sparked extreme volatility—market surges one moment and sharp crashes the next. To some, he seemed detached from the consequences, more like a gambler relishing the chaos than a steward of the industry.
For CZ, this approach clashed with his vision. While he didn’t consider himself morally superior, he believed the crypto industry needed structure, transparency, and sustainable growth—not speculation or opportunism.
A Quiet Decision
CZ’s decision to unfollow Musk wasn’t impulsive. It came after months of observation and reflection. As he managed Binance’s operations, he closely watched Musk’s tweets and their disruptive impact on the market. CZ increasingly questioned the value of their once-synergistic relationship.
"Humanity needs fewer millionaires and more true leaders," CZ often said. While Musk’s contributions to space technology were transformative, CZ concluded that Musk’s role in the crypto space did not align with the industry's long-term needs.
At 5 AM, without notifying his team or offering an explanation, CZ quietly clicked "Unfollow." To him, the act felt routine—more like closing an unnecessary tab than making a statement.
The Ripple Effect
By mid-morning, the crypto community noticed the move. Social media lit up with speculation:
"CZ finally had enough!"
"Is this a response to Musk’s speculative behavior?"
"Crypto doesn’t need Musk’s theatrics anymore."
Musk, true to form, responded indirectly later that afternoon with a cryptic tweet:
“The voice of the people is a good remedy.”
Reactions ranged from loyal support to sharp criticism, but CZ remained silent. For him, the decision to unfollow was personal, not a provocation.
A Statement Without Words
As the day unfolded, CZ carried on with his usual responsibilities—meetings, strategic planning, and new business initiatives. He ignored the noise surrounding the "unfollow" event, focusing instead on Binance’s mission.
To CZ, the action wasn’t about drama or rivalry. It was a quiet acknowledgment that Musk's tweets no longer held relevance for Binance or the broader crypto community.
A Lasting Contrast
Months later, when asked about the incident, a Binance employee offered a simple explanation:
“He just felt it wasn’t worth paying attention to anymore. Musk’s tweets had lost their significance to him.”
The divergence between the two leaders couldn’t be clearer. Musk’s world thrives on spectacle—loud, dynamic, and often chaotic. CZ, by contrast, operates with precision and focus, treating the crypto space like a chessboard where strategy and results take precedence over theatrics.
This quiet yet symbolic act underscores a fundamental difference in their philosophies—a moment that, in hindsight, defined the ever-evolving narrative of leadership in the crypto industry.
