Changpeng Zhao (CZ), CEO of Binance, has publicly discouraged people from purchasing a meme coin associated with his name, following the installation of a golden statue in Washington, D.C. CZ emphasized that he does not endorse the project and has no connection to the initiative.
Golden Statue Sparks Meme Coin Launch
On October 28, an anonymous group installed a 14-foot golden statue of CZ near the U.S. Capitol, financed by four individuals contributing approximately $50,000. Simultaneously, they announced the launch of the CZSTATUE meme coin on the BNB Chain.
CZ responded to the initiative:
“While I appreciate the gesture, linking it to a meme coin seems like an attempt by the creator to profit quickly from my association. I do not support this. Do not buy this meme coin.”
CZ on Ego and Public Gestures
CZ also noted that he would never accept a personal statue, viewing such displays as acts of ego. He recalled a previous incident where someone gifted him a t-shirt featuring his own image, expecting him to wear it, which he declined. CZ emphasized that such gestures often reflect excessive self-importance rather than genuine appreciation.
This incident follows a similar event in September 2025, when a golden statue of Donald Trump holding a Bitcoin was installed in the United States, highlighting the growing intersection of meme culture, celebrity, and cryptocurrency.
