Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao’s newly released memoir has reignited a bitter feud with OKX founder Star Xu. In his book, CZ accuses Xu of attempting to sabotage him years ago. This prompted Xu to publicly call CZ a “habitual liar” and share decade-old evidence related to their past dispute.
The release of Changpeng Zhao‘s 457-page autobiography, “Freedom of Money,” has triggered a public clash with his longtime industry rival. The book details CZ’s journey in creating Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges.
A central point of contention involves CZ’s claims about OKX founder Star Xu. CZ writes that Xu tried to spread fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) about him and labeled him an unfit chief technology officer.
CZ further alleges that Huobi founder Leon Li showed him a screenshot in 2025. According to the book, Li stated the screenshot proved Xu had reported him to Chinese authorities, leading to his arrest.
Star Xu was quick to respond in his own defense on social media. Xu stated, “After spending four months in prison, he continues to make false statements to the world.”
He added, “All I can say is: a habitual liar never changes their nature.” Xu clarified he had no intention of revisiting old issues but provided a YouTube video from ten years ago as counter-evidence.
The conflict stems from CZ’s brief tenure as CTO at OKCoin, now OKX, in 2014 and his departure in 2015. Disputes at that time involved a 10% equity stake and a controversial Bitcoin.com domain deal.
BNB was trading near $600 at the time of the latest exchange. Its price movement was attributed to broader market conditions rather than the renewed rivalry between the two exchange founders.
