Ben McKenzie, best known for playing Ryan Atwood on The O.C., brought his anti-crypto campaign to Washington this week. The actor-turned-critic spent Wednesday meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to lobby against a major digital asset bill currently under consideration.
Why McKenzie is in D.C.
McKenzie has been a vocal opponent of the crypto industry for years. He co-authored a book on the subject and frequently speaks out about what he sees as the risks of unregulated digital currencies. This week's lobbying push marks his most direct engagement with federal policymakers yet.
The actor didn't come alone. He was joined by a small group of consumer advocates who share his concerns about the legislation. The bill, which has bipartisan support in both chambers, would create a new regulatory framework for digital assets — something McKenzie argues would legitimize an industry he calls dangerous.
What the bill would do
The proposed legislation aims to clarify which federal agency oversees crypto markets and set rules for exchanges, stablecoins, and token issuers. Supporters say it would bring much-needed clarity to a chaotic market. Critics like McKenzie counter that it would effectively bless an industry rife with fraud and speculation.
McKenzie's Hill visit comes as the bill's sponsors are trying to round up the final votes needed for passage. The timing isn't great for the actor's side: the bill cleared its last committee hurdle earlier this month with a comfortable margin.
A familiar face in an unfamiliar role
For many lawmakers, seeing a TV star in their office isn't unusual — Hollywood figures lobby on everything from climate change to healthcare. But McKenzie's turn as a crypto skeptic stands out in an industry that has spent heavily on celebrity endorsements and Washington influence.
He's not the only celebrity to wade into crypto policy. But while others have promoted tokens or launched NFT projects, McKenzie has taken the opposite tack, using his platform to warn about the risks. His book, Easy Money, came out in 2023 and detailed his research into crypto scams and market manipulation.
What happens next
The bill is expected to reach the floor for a vote in the coming weeks. McKenzie said he plans to keep up the pressure, though his team didn't specify whether he'll return to the Hill before then. For now, the crypto industry's biggest celebrity critic has made his position clear — and he's betting lawmakers will listen.
