Heather Morgan Sues Netflix for Defamation Over Crypto Heist Documentary
The post Heather Morgan Sues Netflix for Defamation Over Crypto Heist Documentary appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Heather Morgan, known for her involvement in a $4.5 billion crypto heist with her husband, Ilya Lichtenstein, is set to begin her prison sentence. The couple became famous, with Morgan also gaining attention for her rap persona, Razzlekhan.
Morgan Sues Netflix For Defamation
Just before she surrenders to prison, Morgan gave an exclusive interview to set the record straight about her role in the crime, which is depicted in the Netflix documentary The Biggest Heist Ever. Morgan expressed regret for her actions but defended her loyalty to her husband, stating she could have turned on him but chose not to. Besides, she is now suing Netflix for defamation, claiming the documentary misrepresented her story.
Morgan is unhappy with how her story is portrayed in Netflix’s The Biggest Heist Ever. Her attorney has sent cease-and-desist letters to Netflix, producer Library Films, filmmaker Chris Smith, and journalist Nick Bilton, accusing them of spreading defamatory statements about Morgan. Her lawyer, Serena Wu, stated they are exploring legal options but have started with these letters.
They specifically mention allegations that Morgan and Lichtenstein bought stolen passports, debit cards, and other identity documents from the dark web, which they say is untrue.
“Minimal due diligence would have revealed the falsity of your statements, including publicly available court filings that confirm that Ms. Morgan was not involved in the underlying hack,” it added.
The Bitfinex Hack
Heather Morgan, alongside her husband Ilya Lichtenstein, was involved in the 2016 Bitfinex hack where Lichtenstein stole 119,754 Bitcoin. While Lichtenstein carried out the hack, Morgan helped launder the stolen funds by allowing her financial accounts to be used and setting up virtual currency exchange accounts to hide the money’s source. The couple, who lived in a $1.5 million apartment in FiDi, reportedly spent the stolen funds on gold and NFTs.
In 2022, Morgan and Lichtenstein, dubbed the “Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde,” were arrested at their Manhattan home. Authorities found a bag of burner phones and a suspicious file on Lichtenstein’s computer.
The couple pleaded guilty to money laundering a year later, with Morgan receiving an 18-month sentence and Lichtenstein getting five years, of which he has already served more than half. Despite her loyalty to her husband, Morgan expressed interest in befriending Caroline Ellison, the FTX executive who received a reduced sentence for cooperating with authorities.
