started · updated
Circle faces backlash after welcoming DJ Khaled to ‘team USDC’
Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has faced backlash from the cryptocurrency community following social media posts welcoming rapper DJ Khaled to ‘team USDC’. The controversy began after the official USDC account on X shared a photo of Khaled wearing a Chelsea FC jersey branded with the USDC logo.
Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire also shared the post, welcoming the artist. However, many users on X reacted negatively, citing Khaled’s 2018 settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). At that time, Khaled paid approximately $153,000 in penalties for failing to disclose compensation received for promoting a Centra Tech initial coin offering (ICO).
While the posts appeared to be endorsements, reports indicate there is no formal sponsorship or ambassador agreement between Circle and Khaled. The appearance of the brand on Khaled’s jersey is linked to Circle’s existing role as the principal front-of-shirt sponsor for Chelsea FC. Additionally, Khaled’s presence with the club is tied to a separate promotional arrangement between Chelsea and Roc Nation.
Entities
Chelsea FC · Circle · DJ Khaled · Jeremy Allaire · Securities and Exchange Commission
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The official USDC account posted a photo of DJ Khaled wearing a Chelsea FC jersey featuring the USDC brand. www.criptonoticias.com.br · cryptobriefing.com · decrypt.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 2018 SEC settlement involved Khaled failing to disclose payments received for promoting an ICO. www.criptonoticias.com.br · cryptobriefing.com · decrypt.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire welcomed DJ Khaled to ‘team USDC’ on X. www.criptonoticias.com.br · cryptobriefing.com · decrypt.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] DJ Khaled paid over $150,000 in fines to the SEC in 2018. www.criptonoticias.com.br · cryptobriefing.com · decrypt.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] Circle is the principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for Chelsea FC for the 2026/27 season. cryptobriefing.com · decrypt.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] DJ Khaled is part of a separate promotional deal between Chelsea FC and Roc Nation. decrypt.co