Sam Bankman-Fried Breaks Silence: ‘Haunted’ by FTX Collapse, Vows to Appeal and Criticizes Legal Process
The fallen founder of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), broke his silence for the first time since being sentenced to 24.25 years in prison, engaging in an email conversation with ABC News. SBF expressed that he is “haunted” daily by the events that transpired, emphasizing his stance that he “never intended to hurt anyone.”
Former FTX Boss Contests Conviction, Says Never Meant Harm
After the recent sentencing of Sam Bankman-Fried, also referred to as SBF, the former CEO of FTX who fell from grace, shared his emotions regarding the outcome. ABC News’ correspondent Mark Guarino reported that SBF felt the trial was unjust and indicated that he and his defense team intend to appeal.
SBF criticized the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell for allegedly igniting a “one-sided media frenzy.” He expressed dissatisfaction with the “defense’s inability to get in critical evidence at trial,” stating it “infected” the entire process. Furthermore, he conveyed to ABC that he is tormented daily by the manner in which events unfolded.
“I’m haunted, every day, by what was lost. I never intended to hurt anyone or take anyone’s money,” SBF told Guarino in emailed correspondence. “But I was the CEO of FTX, I was responsible for what happened to the company, and when you’re responsible it doesn’t matter why it goes bad. I’d give anything to be able to help repair even part of the damage.”
SBF added:
I’m doing what I can from prison, but it’s deeply frustrating not to be able to do more.
SBF’s most recent interview coincides with a pivotal moment for FTX collaborators Caroline Ellison, Gary Wang, Ryan Salame, and Nishad Singh, as they approach their own critical juncture. The former crypto mogul refrained from revealing to NBC the specific strategies he and his legal team intend to employ in appealing the case.
