On November 11, Binance co‑CEO Yi He used X to condemn a wave of fabricated sexual rumors aimed at women across the cryptocurrency sector and pledged that the exchange’s legal team will offer protection to any female staff member who becomes a target. The post, which cited recent online discussions that had dragged women from rival exchanges, BNB ecosystem projects and other industry partners into scandalous speculation, marked the first public commitment by a major exchange to provide legal backing for such cases.

Yi He clarified that Binance’s legal department will step in to defend female employees whose reputations have been harmed by false claims, though she did not disclose whether any lawsuits have been filed, who the alleged perpetrators are, or which jurisdiction would be used. The co‑CEO invited women to work in what she described as a “fair and transparent” environment, emphasizing that the legal support is intended to shield staff from the personal and professional fallout of these smear campaigns.

Context of the rumors

According to the announcement, the rumors surfaced over a two‑day period before the X post, circulating in Chinese‑language media and social platforms. Yi He recounted that photographs of female employees were paired with fabricated sexual allegations, a tactic she said has been used repeatedly to undermine women who hold public or leadership roles in the industry. She also referenced personal experience, noting that her own identification documents had been stolen and misused in a similar manner.

Broader gender‑bias concerns in crypto

The statement aligns with ongoing discussions about gender bias in the crypto sector. Previous reporting by crypto.news highlighted experiences of women facing discrimination in fundraising, hiring and conference participation. While Yi He’s focus was on the recent rumor campaign, she also touched on systemic issues such as assumptions about women’s commitment to work, parental‑leave policies and the tendency for managers to favor male candidates for senior roles.

What to watch next

Observers will monitor whether Binance’s legal promise translates into formal actions, such as filing defamation suits or issuing cease‑and‑desist letters. Additional scrutiny may arise if other exchanges or industry groups adopt similar protective measures, potentially setting a precedent for how crypto firms address gender‑based harassment online.

FAQ

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