TL;DR
- Hoskinson Denounces Slander: Charles Hoskinson blasts the allegations as a coordinated smear campaign targeting Cardano’s reputation and his leadership.
- Audit for Transparency: He announces an independent audit to review the disputed ADA transactions and reaffirm the legitimacy of Cardano’s treasury management.
- Community and DeFi Tensions: Hoskinson criticizes Optim Finance for amplifying misleading narratives, a move that has deepened divisions within the Cardano community.
Cardano has found itself in the eye of a storm as founder Charles Hoskinson ramps up his defense against allegations that tarnish its reputation. Facing claims of ADA treasury misuse tied to disputed transactions during the Allegra hard fork, Hoskinson has labeled the controversy a coordinated slander campaign aimed at undermining both his name and Cardano’s future.
I'm sure they are comfortable with their decision to support a slander cabal that has spent months defaming Cardano and the core entities. What could possibly go wrong when people find out? https://t.co/3Aol1NfOTw pic.twitter.com/vU8FIJKO83
— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) May 29, 2025
A Smear Campaign Unveiled
The controversy dates back to the 2021 Allegra fork, where claims arose that more than $600 million in ADA was wrongly accessed or redirected. Hoskinson argues that these claims stem from technical misunderstandings and are completely baseless when considered in a historical context.
He maintains that most of the ADA in question was properly redeemed by the original holders over an extended time. According to Hoskinson, these claims are part of a larger, coordinated effort aimed at creating doubt and undermining Cardano’s credibility in a highly competitive crypto environment.
Independent Audit to Clear the Air
Determined to restore confidence and dispel lingering doubts, Hoskinson has announced that an independent audit is underway. This proactive step is intended to review the historical transactions in question and provide an unbiased assessment of Cardano’s treasury management.
The audit, carried out by reputable financial experts, aims to deliver transparency and put an end to what Hoskinson sees as a deliberate campaign of misinformation. The forthcoming findings are expected to reaffirm the legitimacy of the ADA redemption process and fortify Cardano’s position among institutional and retail investors alike.
Criticism of DeFi and Community Tensions
Adding fuel to the fire, Hoskinson did not hold back his criticism of the DeFi platform Optim Finance, accusing it of helping to propagate the misleading narratives. He alleges that Optim Finance has delegated user funds to entities promoting these false claims, a move he warns could inflict long-term harm on Cardano’s image.
The controversy has ignited division within the Cardano community, with supporters rallying behind Hoskinson’s call for accountability while others remain uncertain amidst the ensuing market turbulence.