Epstein Emails: Ripple Ex-CTO Says XRP May Have Been Targets of Behind-the-Scenes Hostility

Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz has offered new context on resurfaced discussions involving Jeffrey Epstein–era emails.

He suggests that XRP, Ripple, and Stellar may have faced coordinated opposition from early crypto industry figures rather than any direct involvement with Epstein himself.

His comments came in response to questions from X users seeking clarity on whether XRP or Stellar were viewed as adversaries during the early years of the crypto ecosystem.

Key Points

Schwartz: Epstein Likely “Looking Into” Stellar, Not XRP

Responding to X user Xalandor, Schwartz explained that available information suggests Epstein may have examined Stellar-related activity through connections involving Joyce Kim and Joichi Ito. However, Schwartz noted that this does not indicate ties between Epstein and Ripple or XRP.

Instead, he suggested Epstein may have been influenced by third parties who viewed Ripple and Stellar as threats. According to Schwartz, figures such as Blockstream co-founder Austin Hill and Reid Hoffman appeared to frame anyone connected to Ripple or Stellar as opponents.

In particular, Hill criticized Stellar and Jed McCaleb, arguing that investors should not support Ripple- or Stellar-linked projects alongside Blockstream.

“Foolish” Effort to Undermine Ripple and Stellar

In reaction, Schwartz said emerging details hint at a misguided, behind-the-scenes effort to harm projects like Ripple and Stellar during their formative years.

“What we are getting a hint into is a foolish behind-the-scenes effort from people like Austin Hill to hurt projects like Stellar and Ripple,” Schwartz said.

He characterized this behavior as short-sighted, arguing that treating competing blockchain projects as enemies ultimately damages the broader crypto space.

What I think we are getting a hint into is a foolish behind the scenes effort from people like Austin Hill to hurt projects like Ripple and Stellar.

— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) February 2, 2026

Did Early Industry Conflicts Hold XRP Back?

Attorney Bill Morgan reacted to the discussion by suggesting that long-hidden actions often come to light over time, even if it takes more than a decade. His comment supports the idea that unresolved early issues may still influence how XRP is viewed today.

Meanwhile, developer Bird asked whether the newly surfaced context helps explain past complications surrounding Ripple that previously lacked clear explanations. Specifically, Bird asked whether XRP and XLM were set back in terms of price, market capitalization, or real-world utility compared to where they might have been without early opposition.

Now that you’ve seen this, does it fill in any gaps for you about past complications around Ripple that never fully made sense before? Anything that, in hindsight, clicks now?

And from your perspective, how far back do you think this has realistically set XRP and XLM – in price,…

— Bird (@Bird_XRPL) February 2, 2026

Essentially, the discussion has reignited debate over whether early hostility toward Ripple and Stellar had lasting consequences.

At press time, Schwartz has not responded to these questions. However, his comments point less toward conspiracy and more toward long-standing rivalries that shaped the early crypto industry, and may still be influencing it today.