- Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse denied claims that the company pays influencers to promote XRP, stating the community acts independently.
- He emphasized that XRP supporters are passionate because of their belief in the token’s value, not financial incentives.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has publicly addressed a lingering rumor in the crypto community: does Ripple pay influencers to defend XRP online? In a recent interview clip shared by crypto commentator Xaif (@Xaif_Crypto), Garlinghouse firmly rejected the notion, emphasizing that the XRP community’s passion stems from conviction—not compensation.
The discussion kicked off when a podcast host bluntly asked whether Ripple was behind the overwhelmingly positive sentiment surrounding XRP. “You’ve got… XRP’s amazing all the time. What’s going on? Are you paying them to shill?” the host questioned. Though his co-host called it “a little rude,” Garlinghouse took the opportunity to set the record straight.
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“No,” Garlinghouse responded. “Ripple doesn’t pay people to defend XRP.” He clarified that the vocal community isn’t part of some orchestrated marketing strategy. Rather, many supporters are simply correcting misinformation, especially around claims of centralization—a long-standing criticism that has been repeatedly addressed by Ripple executives, including CTO David Schwartz.
Garlinghouse suggested that much of the community-led advocacy is a reaction to inaccuracies, such as the belief that XRP is centralized. “I think most of what they’re doing is correcting the record,” he said, referencing a prior comment made by the interviewer himself.
Xaif noted that the strength and persistence of the XRP Army—the nickname for its enthusiastic online following—highlight the asset’s decentralized nature and committed support base. He added, “We love XRP. We know what we hold,” echoing a sentiment shared widely among long-term holders who believe in XRP’s unique position in the evolving financial ecosystem.
The conversation reflects a broader trend in the crypto space where community enthusiasm is often met with skepticism. Yet XRP supporters continue to stand firm, claiming their loyalty is grounded in research, experience, and a belief in the token’s utility.
As Garlinghouse put it, their advocacy isn’t bought—it’s earned through conviction.
