Epstein files reveal Bitcoin’s secret war as Ripple insiders expose a decade of explosive hidden industry sabotage
Newly revealed 2014 emails show a Blockstream executive labeling Ripple and Stellar as threats to Bitcoin's ecosystem, sparking debate over early industry sabotage.Summary
Newly disclosed files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation include a 2014 email from Austin Hill, then Blockstream's CEO, to Epstein and others, stating that Ripple and Stellar were "bad for the ecosystem." Hill argued that capital flowing to these projects diluted Bitcoin's focus and narrative power, reflecting the maximalist view that the ecosystem was exclusively Bitcoin and its supporting infrastructure. XRP community members and Ripple CTO emeritus David Schwartz interpreted this as an effort by Bitcoin maximalists to pressure investors against supporting rival projects. Schwartz suggested this email might be the "tip of a giant iceberg" of similar sentiments, though he noted no direct link between Epstein and Ripple. Ironically, the article notes that the feared damage never materialized; Ripple has since become a regulated institutional pillar, culminating in the launch of XRP ETFs in late 2025, signaling broader market acceptance. This evolution suggests the crypto ecosystem is larger than just Bitcoin. The historical tension between the two communities—rooted in governance, token distribution, and regulatory approach—continues today, evidenced by recent lobbying conflicts over a potential US strategic crypto reserve, though Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse advocates for industry unity.
(Source：CryptoSlate)