Mark Botnick, the crisis PR representative for Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), resigned after an unexpected jailhouse interview between SBF and Tucker Carlson. Botnick, who had been managing communications for Bankman-Fried since the collapse of FTX in 2022, stated he was unaware of the interview and had no involvement in its planning. The interview, released on Bankman-Fried’s 33rd birthday, has drawn attention as the former crypto mogul reportedly seeks a pardon from President Donald Trump.
Bankman-Fried is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for an $11 billion fraud and money-laundering scheme tied to FTX. Botnick, a seasoned PR professional, previously managed Bankman-Fried’s communications during his criminal case, including incidents of bail violations and witness tampering. Recent unapproved social media posts by Bankman-Fried have further complicated matters.
The Federal judge overseeing Bankman-Fried’s case, Lewis Kaplan, also presided over cases involving E. Jean Carroll against Trump. During the interview, Carlson questioned Bankman-Fried about the possibility of a pardon, to which he responded that he would be in his late 40s upon release if not pardoned.
— news from Business Insider