Recent rumors alleging Changpeng Zhao (CZ) involvement in Wintermute’s market activities have been addressed through official statements. CZ clarified via X that Binance is not linked to USD1 and ASTER tokens, further debunking speculation. Wintermute CEO Evgeny Gaevoy refuted claims of market manipulation, emphasizing responsible market-making practices. While ASTER token experienced a slight price dip following initial volatility, it quickly stabilized. This incident raises questions about the influence of misinformation on market perceptions. CZ’s denial and Gaevoy’s response underscore the need for transparency in crypto markets to combat such speculation. Regulatory discussions concerning market transparency are ongoing.