Kim Kardashian has agreed to pay $1.26 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission in a case involving the star’s promotion of crypto asset EthereumMax on Instagram.
The SEC said that Kardashian did not disclose that she received $250,000 in compensation for the post. Kardashian has also agreed to cooperate with the agency in the investigation, which is ongoing.
“This case is a reminder that, when celebrities or influencers endorse investment opportunities, including crypto asset securities, it doesn’t mean that those investment products are right for all investors,” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. “We encourage investors to consider an investment’s potential risks and opportunities in light of their own financial goals.”
“Ms. Kardashian’s case also serves as a reminder to celebrities and others that the law requires them to disclose to the public when and how much they are paid to promote investing in securities,” Gensler added.
“The federal securities laws are clear that any celebrity or other individual who promotes a crypto asset security must disclose the nature, source, and amount of compensation they received in exchange for the promotion,” said Gurbir S. Grewal, director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. “Investors are entitled to know whether the publicity of a security is unbiased, and Ms. Kardashian failed to disclose this information.”
The deal with the SEC includes a $1 million fine and forfeiting the $250,000 payment Kardashian received, plus interest.