SBF’s Wild Appeal Saga: Bias, Free Dinners, and Presidential Pardons 😱

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former crypto wunderkind turned courtroom drama protagonist, is appealing his conviction, claiming his trial was a farce due to media frenzy, prosecutorial theatrics, and Judge Lewis Kaplan’s alleged partiality.

Trials, Tribulations, and Free Car Rides 🚗

Sam Bankman-Fried, the co-founder of the now-defunct FTX, is ready to take his case to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, armed with arguments that he was “presumed guilty” before the trial even began. His legal team, led by the formidable Alexandra Shapiro, insists the trial was anything but fair. They’re pointing fingers at everyone-from the media circus to Judge Kaplan’s alleged bias.

According to a Bloomberg report, Bankman-Fried’s lawyers claim the trial was a kangaroo court from the start. They argue that Judge Kaplan’s behavior-ridiculing Bankman-Fried, doubting his testimony, and even bribing the jury with free dinners 🍝-was enough to taint the verdict.

“Sam Bankman-Fried was never presumed innocent,” his legal team griped in their brief, adding, “He was presumed guilty before he even knew what hit him.” (Spoiler: It was the law.)

The defense is also fuming over Kaplan’s decision to block Bankman-Fried from testifying that he acted in good faith, believing FTX had enough assets to repay customers. Apparently, Kaplan thought that was also “a joke.” 🃏

The Parent Trap: Pardons and Politics 🙏

Meanwhile, Bankman-Fried’s parents are reportedly exploring ways to secure a presidential pardon from none other than Donald Trump. Because, sure, why not? The Trump administration has a history of granting clemency to those they deem victims of government overreach, so maybe Sam’s parents are hoping to ride that wave. 🌊

In addition to battling it out in court, Bankman-Fried is busy spinning narratives. He recently appeared on Tucker Carlson’s podcast to take shots at President Joe Biden and former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. In a prison interview, he also claimed FTX was never insolvent and blamed the collapse on bankruptcy lawyers. Because, of course, it’s always someone else’s fault. 🙄

FAQ 🧠

  • What is Sam Bankman-Fried appealing? He claims his trial was biased and that he was presumed guilty from day one.
  • Why is Judge Kaplan central to the appeal? The defense says he favored prosecutors and bribed the jury with free dinners. 🍴
  • Are there other efforts to free Bankman-Fried? His parents are reportedly lobbying for a Trump pardon. 🤞
  • What is SBF saying about the FTX collapse? He denies fraud, insists FTX was solvent, and blames bankruptcy lawyers. Classic deflection. 🤷‍♂️

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2025-11-05 09:59