What Are Celebrity Meme Coins: Popular Examples & Risks

Feb 19, 2025 | Crypto | 0 comments

Celebrity meme coins are often seen as a trending phenomenon, but are they truly a smart investment or just another temporary internet scam? Data from Messari reveals that well-known tokens such as MOTHER, DADDY, TRUMP, MELANIA, and JAILSTOOL have seen an average decline of 78% from their peak valuations.

In this post, we’ll explain what celebrity meme coins are, explore the risks and potential future of these tokens, and discuss the dangers they bring with them. We’ll look at how celebrity statements affect the value of these coins and see if their influence is just temporary or if it could shape the future of cryptocurrency.

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What are Celebrity Meme Coins?

Celebrity Meme Coins are meme cryptocurrencies inspired by internet memes and often supported by strong online communities. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, which may have specific utilities, meme coins typically focus more on cultural impact and are heavily influenced by celebrity popularity and social media dynamics. 

Why are Celebrity Meme Coins so Popular?

Celebrity Coins are popular mainly because celebrities greatly influence consumer trends. Some key reasons include:

  • Celebrity influence on consumer trends: Celebrities have a strong impact on what people buy and invest in.
  • Powerful reach on social media: A single post from a celebrity can reach millions and create massive hype.
  • Amplification through platforms: Social media platforms like Instagram can amplify celebrity opinions, turning them into powerful marketing tools.

Dogecoin coin featuring the Shiba Inu meme placed on a U.S. fifty-dollar bill.

Why did Celebrities Launch Meme Coins?

Celebrities get into the meme coin market for simple reasons: they want to improve fan engagement and discover new ways to make money. They use their big influence to attract attention and investments by joining the cryptocurrency world. Some other reasons include:

1. Capturing Attention and Driving Speculation

Donald and Melania Trump are prominent examples of celebrities who have delved into meme coins, launching $TRUMP and $MELANIA, respectively. Their interaction captured attention and drove speculation, showing how personal branding can work with cryptocurrency to create excitement and potentially lucrative returns.

2. Recruiting More Audiences

Another influencer who made waves in this space is Stewdamus, who created the meme coin stewwifhat (STEW). This project started as a playful experiment but also worked as a smart way to keep his audience engaged in a new and interactive space. The fact that he launched his coin quickly and easily shows how simple it can be for public figures to enter this market.

3. Opening New Revenue Channels

The dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market gives celebrities a unique chance to stay connected with their fans. It also allows them to earn money in different ways, especially when their followers actively support these projects.

Digital diagram analyzing celebrity influence in cryptocurrency markets

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What Are the Risks and Controversies of Celebrity Meme Coins?

As such, cryptocurrencies have always been associated with risks and controversies. This is especially true for meme coins, which are likely to have even more issues as they become bigger and gain popularity. These problems relate to market volatility, legal challenges, and particularly DeFi wallet scams.

1. Market Volatility 

The cryptocurrency market is well-known for its price fluctuations. Assets such as Bitcoin have witnessed dramatic increases and decreases in value. This volatility is caused by multiple factors, including market speculation and new regulatory measures. For investors, this means there are opportunities for high returns but also a risk of financial loss.

2. Legal and Ethical Issues 

When celebrities validate financial products such as meme coins, they face complex legal and ethical conditions. Regulatory bodies analyze how these promotions are done, especially if they confuse investors about the risks involved. Celebrity participation in promoting these products without clear risk warnings can lead to legal consequences and risk their credibility.

3. Recent Failures and Controversies 

Recent developments in meme coins, such as the collapse following regulatory actions in various countries, show how external factors like government interventions can destabilize the market. It is also important to consider the risk of fraud with digital wallets, which also limits this market.

In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversee crypto-related activities. These agencies ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules and assess whether some digital assets qualify as securities.

diagram linking different risks and controversies of celebrity meme coins

What Are Some Examples of Celebrity Meme Coins?

There are many examples of celebrity meme coins that show how public figures can influence the world of cryptocurrencies. The most famous are:

1. Dogecoin (DOGE) 

Dogecoin, one of the most recognized celebrity coins, was created in 2013 by Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer. Originally started as a joke to mock the wild speculation in cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin gained incredible popularity, especially after receiving public endorsements from celebrities like Elon Musk, who frequently mentioned it on social media.

2. $TRUMP and $MELANIA Coins 

The $TRUMP and $MELANIA meme coins were introduced by Donald and Melania Trump as part of their involvement in the cryptocurrency space. These celebrity crypto coins quickly gained attention due to their connection with high-profile figures but saw their prices fluctuate as social media interest declined.

3. PulseChain (PLS) 

Developed by Richard Heart, Pulse is a cryptocurrency that positions itself against Ethereum with lower fees and faster transactions. The celebrity backing by its creator, known for his prominence in the crypto community, has helped it gain traction.

4. Shiba Inu (SHIB)

Launched in August 2020 by the anonymous creator Ryoshi, Shiba Inu (SHIB) was inspired by Dogecoin. Known as a meme coin with a focus on community building, SHIB gained popularity through social media buzz, celebrity endorsements, and unique projects like ShibaSwap and Shibarium, raising its market relevance.

5. Monacoin (MONA) 

Launched in December 2013 in Japan, Monacoin was created by an anonymous person known as Mr. Watanabe. It’s often described as the first Japanese cryptocurrency and has a cult status in its home country, one of the crypto-friendly countries in Asia. Occasional endorsements from local celebrities have influenced its price.

Celebrity Meme Coins: Invest with Knowledge, Not Hype

While celebrity meme coins can be exciting and may offer short-term profits, they are not without risk. They should be approached with the same precautions as any other investment, considering both their market potential and natural risks. As always, it’s wise to do careful research and consult financial experts before making any investment decisions.

At the Cryptoscam Defense Network, we give you information on the latest developments in the crypto world and the most common scams. Our goal is to help you stay informed and recognize potential risks, allowing you to make safer investment decisions in this volatile market.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Celebrity Meme Coins

What are the Main Differences Between Celebrity Meme Coins and Traditional Cryptocurrencies?

Celebrity meme coins typically originate from internet culture. They often lack a serious technological basis or measurable utility, making them highly speculative. In contrast, traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are developed with distinct technological goals, such as creating decentralized financial systems and smart contracts, which offer more stable investments.

What Legal Considerations Should Investors Be Aware of When Investing in Celebrity Meme Coins?

Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, which may operate within more established legal frameworks, meme coins typically lack clear regulatory inspections, increasing the risks of market manipulation and investor fraud.

What Steps Should I Take if I Believe I’ve Been Scammed by a Celebrity-Endorsed Meme Coin?

If you suspect that you’ve been scammed, follow these steps:

  • Gather documentation: Collect all related records, including transaction receipts, investment details, and communication history.
  • Report the scam: Notify financial authorities or local regulators in your jurisdiction.
  • Contact relevant platforms: Reach out to the platforms where the investment occurred to inform them about the fraudulent activity.
  • Stay updated: Monitor updates from regulatory bodies for any actions related to the scam.
  • Seek professional advice: Consider consulting with legal or financial advisors for additional guidance.

Photos via Freepik.

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