Base co-founder Jesse Pollak is facing harsh criticism after publicly promoting a meme linked to rapper Soulja Boy. The post, shared on X, highlighted a payment feature for creators on Base and directed users towards a newly issued token on the network. Almost immediately, the reaction became heated. Many community members questioned why a major figure linked to Coinbase-backed Base would amplify a celebrity with a controversial crypto history.
Base co-founder Jesse Pollak promoted and endorsed a meme token issued by Soulja Boy, sparking criticism from the community. ZachXBT questioned why Soulja Boy was being given a platform, citing its research from April 2023 showing 73 promotions and 16 NFT drops, many of which were scams.…
– Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) December 15, 2025
The debate spread quickly, attracting developers, on-chain researchers, and veteran traders. At the center of the reaction is trust. For many users, Base positions itself as a serious on-chain ecosystem. Promoting meme tokens linked to past scandals runs counter to that image.
ZachXBT revives past accusations
Blockchain researcher ZachXBT directly questioned Jesse Pollak’s decision. He asked why Soulja Boy was being given visibility. ZachXBT pointed to its own investigation from 2023, which documented 73 crypto promotions and 16 NFT drops linked to the rapper. According to that investigation, many of these projects collapsed or were alleged scams.
Those old threads quickly resurfaced. Specifically, screenshots were circulated and quotes were reposted. The tone was direct. In fact, critics argued that this story is well known and difficult to ignore. For them, the issue was not just legality; rather, it was a responsibility. In fact, they argued, exposing someone with repeated failed projects risks dragging new users into the same cycle. Some went further. They suggested that platform leaders should apply higher standards than ordinary users, especially when newcomers often take cues from well-known builders.
“The base is for everyone” meets reality
Jesse Pollak’s defenders relied on a familiar argument. The base does not have a permit. Anyone can implement. Anyone can promote. The tools are neutral. That explanation did little to calm critics. Many responded that neutrality feels lacking when a co-founder actively pushes a token. They argued that leadership attention is not the same as passive infrastructure.
Others pointed out that Base still earns fees regardless of the results. In this framework, chaos becomes profitable. Accountability becomes optional. The sarcasm was intense and the memes continued. Some users also pointed out that Jesse Pollak previously launched his own creator coin. That comparison fueled accusations of double standards and selective concern.
A broader trust issue for builders
This episode highlights a deeper tension in cryptocurrencies. Permissionless systems promise openness. At the same time, public figures have influence, whether they want it or not. For builders, the line between “anyone can use this” and “I support it” is thin. On the contrary, once crossed, the reactions are rapid and relentless. Now, for this reason, Base finds itself in that spotlight. No regulator intervened nor was any token stopped. Still, damage to reputation does not require the application of measures; spreads socially.
Currently, Jesse Pollak has not issued a detailed response to the criticism. Meanwhile, the conversation continues. Some see this as overblown drama. Others see it as another warning sign. Either way, the community’s message is clear. Infrastructure can be neutral. Influence is not.
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