Pro-XRP Lawyer Criticizes SEC’s Lawsuit Against Ripple: ‘An Unprecedented Move in 75 Years’

John Deaton, a prominent attorney representing 75,000 XRP holders, addressed the legal dispute between the SEC and Ripple on the 3T Warrior Academy YouTube channel. He characterized the SEC's litigation as an "unprecedented move" in securities law over the past 75 years, with significant implications for the crypto industry and XRP investors.

Deaton's Criticism of the SEC's Actions

Deaton strongly criticized the SEC's classification of XRP as a security, calling it an overreach. He argued that the SEC's actions have disproportionately impacted XRP holders, particularly retail investors who have lost billions in the market following the announcement of the lawsuit.

Deaton asserted that the SEC's actions resulted in a $15B loss in value for XRP, harming numerous retail investors. The case, filed in late 2020, led to the delisting of XRP from exchanges, further exacerbating the situation for token holders.

Despite these challenges, Ripple has recently achieved a partial victory, with the court ruling that XRP itself is not a security. However, the lawsuit has had significant financial and reputational implications for Ripple and the broader crypto market.

Financial Losses and Legal Costs

Deaton highlighted the financial repercussions of the lawsuit for Ripple and its investors. Ripple has incurred over $100M in legal expenses defending itself against the SEC's allegations.

According to Deaton, the SEC has been unwilling to acknowledge mistakes or retract the designation of XRP as a security. He believes that XRP holders should be compensated for their losses directly attributable to the SEC's actions.

Government Overreach

Beyond the Ripple lawsuit, Deaton discussed the broader implications of government overreach in the financial sector, particularly with regard to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

He cautioned that increased government control over digital assets could pose a threat to individual financial freedom. Deaton expressed concern about the potential consequences of government-controlled currencies and advocated for clear regulations to prevent similar lawsuits in the future.

Need for Clear Legislation

Deaton also emphasized the need for clear and comprehensive legislation regarding cryptocurrencies and digital assets. He suggested that Congress should have acted sooner to provide regulatory certainty, which has stifled innovation in the U.S. crypto market.