**Steve Aoki Faces Lawsuit Over Allegedly Fraudulent NFTs from Defunct MetaZoo**
Key Takeaways:
- A class action lawsuit was filed against Steve Aoki and DraftKings’ co-founder over NFT promotions.
- The lawsuit claims influencers failed to disclose paid partnerships with now-defunct MetaZoo.
- Buyers allege millions were lost when promoted NFTs collapsed in value.
Miami — “Non fungible tokens” are trending after a major class action lawsuit was filed naming celebrity DJ Steve Aoki and DraftKings co-founder Matthew Kalish as defendants. The plaintiffs allege that both figures improperly promoted NFT assets from defunct entertainment company MetaZoo Games LLC, misleading buyers with undisclosed paid endorsements.
Celebrity Promotion Under Legal Fire
According to a report from Law.com published January 9, 2026, Aoki and Kalish used their significant online influence to boost sales of NFTs from MetaZoo—a company that began as a collectible card game maker before expanding into NFTs, apparel, and merchandise. Lead plaintiff Evan Berger alleges he bought 26 NFTs after being swayed by their endorsements, expecting long-term value appreciation. Instead, the digital assets have reportedly become worthless. The lawsuit claims that influencer endorsements were not properly disclosed in violation of consumer protection laws.
Context: From Boom to Bust in the NFT Economy
Back in the early 2020s, NFTs surged in popularity as blockchain-backed digital collectibles. Amid pandemic-era surges in speculative investing, celebrities like Steve Aoki embraced NFT trends, with Aoki even claiming in 2022 that he made more from NFTs than a decade of music advances. At its peak, a full set of MetaZoo NFTs fetched over 20 Ethereum—then worth about $80,000. But with the NFT market cooling and major platforms pulling support, many such assets have plummeted in value. This case represents the broader reckoning as buyers seek accountability and question the role of influencer marketing in NFT speculation.
What This Means for Influencer Markets and Regulation
The outcome of the case could set a precedent for future NFT and digital asset litigation involving influencer disclosures. If successful, the suit could tighten Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) scrutiny on crypto-based promotions. Stakeholders across entertainment, crypto, and marketing sectors may now face stricter expectations around transparency. Neither Aoki nor Kalish has publicly responded to the lawsuit as of today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is non fungible tokens trending?
A: A lawsuit filed this week accuses Steve Aoki of misleading NFT investors, spotlighting NFT risks.
Q: What happens next?
A: The lawsuit will proceed in Florida; if it moves forward, it could impact influencer marketing laws.
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