On July 22, 2026, the public feud between Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) and OKX CEO Star Xu escalated within 24 hours, culminating in a rejected $1 billion bet and CZ declaring a return to "ignore mode." The dispute, initially sparked by CZ's memoir, quickly spilled from business rivalry into personal territory, involving divorce status and equity ownership.
Flashpoint: Memoir Revives Old Grievances
CZ released his memoir "Freedom of Money" on April 9. In it, he revisited an early contract dispute with OK Coin, citing Huobi founder Li Lin's claim that CZ had been reported to authorities — allegedly linked to Star Xu. Star Xu fired back on X, calling CZ a "habitual liar," denying the report, and accusing him of forging contract documents. Within 24 hours, the fight broadened to include CZ's previous marriage and Binance equity structure.
$1 Billion Bet: Divorce Proof vs. Compliance Red Line
CZ posted on X demanding an apology from Star Xu for comments about his marital status, offering a $1 billion bet (or any amount Star chose) to prove he had "long been formally divorced." He also suggested Binance equity was none of Star's business, accusing him of deflecting with false attacks. CZ ended with: "Enough of my time wasted. Back to ignore mode. Not worth my time."
Star Xu declined the bet, citing his role as OKX CEO and compliance culture, and noted that gambling is illegal in the UAE even for locals. He insisted he had no interest in CZ's private life but reserved the right to challenge false statements in the memoir and interviews. He repeatedly raised the issue of asset division, arguing that after a 20-year marriage, legally splitting family assets — including company equity — was both a legal requirement and a basic moral obligation.
From Business Rivalry to Personal Battle
The spat has far exceeded typical commercial competition. As of press time, CZ had entered "ignore mode" and Star Xu had not further responded. Both sides have turned the dispute into a battle for credibility. Whether a third party will mediate, or any legal action will follow, remains unknown.