Jtbobwaysf (talk | contribs) Restored revision 1070342275 by The Reader who Writes (talk): Restore to here due to PR edits |
Undid revision 1076452556 by Jtbobwaysf (talk) the user falsely accused me of writing promotional content in an attempt to censor the publication of news articles and public information about the subject of the article Tag: Undo |
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| death_place = |
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| alma_mater = |
| alma_mater = |
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| occupation = [[Entrepreneur]]<br>[[ |
| occupation = [[Entrepreneur]]<br>[[Chairman]] of the [[Bitcoin Foundation]]<br>Philanthropist<br>Technologist<br>Former child actor |
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| party = [[Independent politician|Independent]] |
| party = [[Independent politician|Independent]] |
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| spouse = Crystal Rose<ref>{{ |
| spouse = Crystal Rose<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/brock-pierce-hippie-king-of-cryptocurrency-700213/ |title=Brock Pierce: The Hippie King of Cryptocurrency |date=July 26, 2018}}</ref> |
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| years_active = Acting: 1992–1997<br>Business: 1999–present |
| years_active = Acting: 1992–1997<br>Business: 1999–present |
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| website = {{url|brock.vote|Campaign website}} |
| website = {{url|brock.vote|Campaign website}} |
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| known_for = ''[[The Mighty Ducks (film)|The Mighty Ducks]]'', ''[[D2: The Mighty Ducks]]'', ''[[First Kid]]'',<br /> |
| known_for = ''[[The Mighty Ducks (film)|The Mighty Ducks]]'', ''[[D2: The Mighty Ducks]]'', ''[[First Kid]]'',<br /> |
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[[Bitcoin]], [[Blockchain]] and [[cryptocurrency]] work |
[[Bitcoin]], [[Blockchain]] and [[cryptocurrency]] work |
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| organization = [[Bitcoin Foundation]] |
| organization = [[Bitcoin Foundation]]<br>Integro Foundation<br>United Council of Rising Nations<br>Brock Pierce Foundation<br>U.S. Marines Toys for Tots of New York and Puerto Rico<br>Blockchain Capital<br>Spacefund |
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| citizenship = United States |
| citizenship = United States |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Brock Jeffrey Pierce''' (born November 14, 1980) is an American entrepreneur, [[philanthropist]], [[futurist]], 2020 Independent US Presidential Candidate and former actor known for his work as a pioneer in the [[cryptocurrency]] industry.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leroy |first1=Katerina |title=Brock Pierce: An American Blockchain Legend and Multitalent |url=https://www.lofficielmonaco.com/business-tech/brock-pierce-an-american-blockchain-legend-and-multitalent |access-date=11 March 2022 |publisher=Lofficiel Monaco |date=August 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Growing Momentum as New Poll Puts Brock Pierce, Independent Candidate for President of the United States of America, in Third Place in New York |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201017005013/en/Growing-Momentum-as-New-Poll-Puts-Brock-Pierce-Independent-Candidate-for-President-of-the-United-States-of-America-in-Third-Place-in-New-York |website=businesswire.com |access-date=March 11, 2022|publisher=businesswire|date=October 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Brock Pierce: Legendary Crypto Pioneer |url=https://impactwealth.org/brock-pierce-legendary-crypto-pioneer/ |access-date=March 11, 2022 |publisher=impactwealth.org |date=September 9, 2021}}</ref> A leading figure in the [[cryptocurrency]] and virtual assets sectors, Pierce currently serves as the Chairman of the [[Bitcoin Foundation]].<ref name="Coindesk.com">{{cite news |last1=Rizzo |first1=Pete |title=Brock Pierce Elected Bitcoin Foundation Board Chairman Venture capitalist Broc |url=https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2015/04/22/brock-pierce-elected-bitcoin-foundation-board-chairman/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Coindesk.com |date=2015-04-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Brock Pierce: Legendary Crypto Pioneer |url=https://impactwealth.org/brock-pierce-legendary-crypto-pioneer/ |access-date=March 11, 2022 |publisher=impactwealth.org |date=September 9, 2021}}</ref> As a child actor, he starred in [[Disney]] films ''[[The Mighty Ducks (film)|The Mighty Ducks]]'' (1992), ''[[D2: The Mighty Ducks]]'' (1994), and ''[[First Kid]]'' (1996). He ran as an independent candidate in the [[2020 United States presidential election]].<ref name="PeopleP" /> He is currently the Chairman of the Integro Foundation and the Brock Pierce Foundation and serves as the Vice Chair and spokesperson for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation of New York, Long Island and Puerto Rico.<ref name="Fox News">{{cite news |last1=Conklin |first1=Audrey |title=Toys For Tots Prepares for Supply Shortage this Holiday Season |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/toys-for-tots-supply-shortage-holidays |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Fox News |date=July 31, 2021}}</ref> In the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, Pierce became the first presidential candidate in U.S. history to receive a vote through an app on a personal mobile phone using blockchain technology, in [[Utah County]] using the [[Voatz]] app.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Hollie |title=First presidential vote cast using blockchain technology {{!}} Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/first-presidential-vote-cast-using-blockchain-technology.amp?__twitter_impression=true |access-date=October 21, 2020 |work=www.foxnews.com |issue=October 16, 2020}}</ref> |
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'''Brock Jeffrey Pierce''' (born November 14, 1980) is an American entrepreneur and former actor known for his work in the [[cryptocurrency]] industry. As a child actor, he was in [[Disney]] films ''[[The Mighty Ducks (film)|The Mighty Ducks]]'' (1992), ''[[D2: The Mighty Ducks]]'' (1994), and ''[[First Kid]]'' (1996). He was an independent candidate in the [[2020 United States presidential election]].<ref name="PeopleP" /> |
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== Acting career == |
== Acting career == |
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Pierce was born in [[Minnesota]] and appeared in commercials as a toddler.<ref name="dibbell2">{{cite magazine |
Pierce was born in [[Minnesota]] and appeared in commercials as a toddler.<ref name="dibbell2">{{cite magazine |last=Dibbell |first=Julian |title=The Decline and Fall of an Ultra-Rich Online Gaming Empire |magazine=Wired |date=November 24, 2008 |url=https://www.wired.com/gaming/virtualworlds/magazine/16-12/ff_ige?currentPage= |access-date=December 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202150426/http://www.wired.com/gaming/virtualworlds/magazine/16-12/ff_ige |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> His first major role was playing a young Gordon Bombay in ''[[The Mighty Ducks (film)|The Mighty Ducks]]'' (1992). Pierce reprised the role in ''[[D2: The Mighty Ducks]]''. He starred as Luke Davenport in ''[[First Kid]]'' (1996). Pierce had small roles in ''[[Little Big League]]'' (1994), ''Ripper Man'' (1995), ''[[Problem Child 3: Junior in Love]]'' (1995), [[Three Wishes (film)|''Three Wishes'']] (1995), ''Earth Minus Zero'' (1996), and ''The Ride'' (1997).<ref name="tomatoes">{{cite web |title=Brock Pierce |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/brock-pierce |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=December 14, 2021}}</ref> |
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== Business career == |
== Business career == |
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=== Digital Entertainment Network === |
=== Digital Entertainment Network === |
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Pierce retired from acting at 17 and joined as a minor partner with [[Marc Collins-Rector]] and Chad Schackley in establishing [[Digital Entertainment Network]] (DEN), which succeeded in raising $88 million in venture capital.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_46/b3655182.htm |title=DEN Teaser |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313054311/http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_46/b3655182.htm |archive-date=March 13, 2014 }}</ref> DEN's goal was to deliver original episodic video content over the Internet aimed at niche audiences.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1999/apr/05/business/fi-24296|title=Viewing TV-Style Programs in the DEN|last1=KAPLAN|first1=KAREN|date=April 5, 1999|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 20, 2017|last2=HUFFSTUTTER|first2=P. J.|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528004627/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/apr/05/business/fi-24296|archive-date=May 28, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> DEN was one of a crop of dot-com startups that focused on the creation and delivery of original video content online in the late 1990s<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1999/oct/07/business/fi-19656|title=Coming Soon to a Monitor Near You|last=KAPLAN|first=KAREN|date=October 7, 1999|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 20, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919161905/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/oct/07/business/fi-19656|archive-date=September 19, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> prior to the wide adoption of [[broadband]] internet access. Pierce produced its first show, a pilot for gay teenagers called ''Chad's World''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2000/may/18/business/fi-31290|newspaper=LA Times|date=May 18, 2000|last=Menn|first=Joseph|title=Web Pioneer DEN Lacks Cash, Is Closing Down|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527080148/http://articles.latimes.com/2000/may/18/business/fi-31290|archive-date=May 27, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> As an 18-year-old, Pierce was making $250,000 a year and held 1% of the company's shares.<ref>{{cite web|last |
Pierce retired from acting at 17 and joined as a minor partner with [[Marc Collins-Rector]] and Chad Schackley in establishing [[Digital Entertainment Network]] (DEN), which succeeded in raising $88 million in venture capital.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_46/b3655182.htm |title=DEN Teaser |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313054311/http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_46/b3655182.htm |archive-date=March 13, 2014 }}</ref> DEN's goal was to deliver original episodic video content over the Internet aimed at niche audiences.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1999/apr/05/business/fi-24296|title=Viewing TV-Style Programs in the DEN|last1=KAPLAN|first1=KAREN|date=April 5, 1999|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 20, 2017|last2=HUFFSTUTTER|first2=P. J.|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528004627/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/apr/05/business/fi-24296|archive-date=May 28, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> DEN was one of a crop of dot-com startups that focused on the creation and delivery of original video content online in the late 1990s<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1999/oct/07/business/fi-19656|title=Coming Soon to a Monitor Near You|last=KAPLAN|first=KAREN|date=October 7, 1999|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 20, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919161905/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/oct/07/business/fi-19656|archive-date=September 19, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> prior to the wide adoption of [[broadband]] internet access. Pierce produced its first show, a pilot for gay teenagers called ''Chad's World''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2000/may/18/business/fi-31290|newspaper=LA Times|date=May 18, 2000|last=Menn|first=Joseph|title=Web Pioneer DEN Lacks Cash, Is Closing Down|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527080148/http://articles.latimes.com/2000/may/18/business/fi-31290|archive-date=May 27, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> As an 18-year-old, Pierce was making $250,000 a year and held 1% of the company's shares.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grover |first=Ronald |title=Digital Entertainment Network: Startup or Non-Starter? |work=BusinessWeek |date=November 15, 1999 |url=http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_46/b3655182.htm |access-date=February 22, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313054311/http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_46/b3655182.htm |archive-date=March 13, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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DEN was slated for a US$75 million IPO in October 1999, but the IPO was withdrawn in the wake of allegations of sexual assault against Collins-Rector. All three executives subsequently resigned. Layoffs followed in February 2000. While a new executive team led by former [[Capitol Records]] President [[Gary Gersh]] and former [[Microsoft]] executive [[Greg Carpenter]] tried to salvage the company and relaunch in May 2000, DEN filed for bankruptcy and shut down in June 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine|last |
DEN was slated for a US$75 million IPO in October 1999, but the IPO was withdrawn in the wake of allegations of sexual assault against Collins-Rector. All three executives subsequently resigned. Layoffs followed in February 2000. While a new executive team led by former [[Capitol Records]] President [[Gary Gersh]] and former [[Microsoft]] executive [[Greg Carpenter]] tried to salvage the company and relaunch in May 2000, DEN filed for bankruptcy and shut down in June 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rice |first=Andrew |title=DEN Board Asked Founder to Leave |magazine=Wired |date=November 1, 1999|url=https://www.wired.com/1999/11/den-board-asked-founder-to-leave/ |access-date=February 22, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103040940/https://www.wired.com/1999/11/den-board-asked-founder-to-leave/ |archive-date=January 3, 2018}}</ref><ref name="NYPost">{{cite web |last=Lynch |first=Stephen |title=A Den of Iniquity: After 3-year exile, Web exec faces perv charges|newspaper=New York Post|date =November 11, 2003 |url=https://nypost.com/2003/11/11/a-den-of-iniquity-after-3-year-exile-web-exec-faces-perv-charges/ |access-date=February 22, 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010060727/http://nypost.com/2003/11/11/a-den-of-iniquity-after-3-year-exile-web-exec-faces-perv-charges/|archive-date=October 10, 2017}}</ref> |
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==== ''Burton v. Collins-Rector et al'' lawsuit ==== |
==== ''Burton v. Collins-Rector et al'' lawsuit ==== |
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In 2000, three former DEN employees filed a lawsuit against the founder of DEN, and also named Pierce as a defendant, alleging that they provided the plaintiffs with drugs and pressured them for sex when Pierce and one of the plaintiffs were still teenagers.<ref name="Buzzfeed">{{cite web|title=Burton V. Collins-Rector et al|url=https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1202857-2000-burton-ryan-egan-vs-collins-rector-complaint.html|access-date=December 8, 2021|website=Documentcloud.org: Burton Ryan Egan Vs. Collins-Rector Complaint}}</ref><ref name="rollingstone">{{cite news |last1=Strauss |first1=Neil |title=Brock Pierce: The Hippie King of Cryptocurrency |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/brock-pierce-hippie-king-of-cryptocurrency-700213/ |access-date=August 13, 2020 |date=June 26, 2018 |work=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref name="thetimes">{{cite news|last1=Hoyle|first1=Ben|date=February 9, 2019|title=Brock Pierce: from Hollywood child star to bitcoin billionaire|language=en|newspaper=[[The Times]]|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/brock-pierce-from-hollywood-child-star-to-bitcoin-billionaire-sznvxv0h7|access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Chen" /><ref name="Menn" /> Pierce, along with the other two DEN employees, fled the United States. |
In 2000, three former DEN employees filed a lawsuit against the founder of DEN, and also named Pierce as a defendant, alleging that they provided the plaintiffs with drugs and pressured them for sex when Pierce and one of the plaintiffs were still teenagers.<ref name="Buzzfeed">{{cite web|title=Burton V. Collins-Rector et al|url=https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1202857-2000-burton-ryan-egan-vs-collins-rector-complaint.html|access-date=December 8, 2021|website=Documentcloud.org: Burton Ryan Egan Vs. Collins-Rector Complaint}}</ref><ref name="rollingstone">{{cite news |last1=Strauss |first1=Neil |title=Brock Pierce: The Hippie King of Cryptocurrency |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/brock-pierce-hippie-king-of-cryptocurrency-700213/ |access-date=August 13, 2020 |date=June 26, 2018 |work=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref name="thetimes">{{cite news|last1=Hoyle|first1=Ben|date=February 9, 2019|title=Brock Pierce: from Hollywood child star to bitcoin billionaire|language=en|newspaper=[[The Times]]|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/brock-pierce-from-hollywood-child-star-to-bitcoin-billionaire-sznvxv0h7|access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Chen" /><ref name="Menn" /> Pierce, along with the other two DEN employees, fled the United States. They were arrested by Interpol in 2002 in Marbella, Spain. Pierce was released without being charged.<ref name="Buzzfeed" /> |
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The three plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed all charges against Pierce without receiving any compensation.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Abramovitch|first1=Seth|date=May 23, 2016|title=Elijah Wood Denies Personal Knowledge of Child Sex Abuse in Hollywood (Exclusive)|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/elijah-wood-denies-personal-knowledge-896754|access-date=August 20, 2020}}</ref> Court records show that Pierce paid $21,600 to one of the plaintiff's attorneys because said attorney refused to file the order of dismissal requested by his client until the attorney's expenses were reimbursed.<ref name="halt">{{cite web|title=The Truth About Presidential Candidate Brock Pierce's Legal Payment|url=https://www.halt.org/presidential-candidate-brock-pierces-legal-payment/|access-date=August 20, 2020|website=Halt Law: Connecting Attorneys with Clients in Need}}</ref> None of the accusations against Pierce has ever been corroborated, and the primary plaintiff has been convicted of fraud and has admitted to filing false lawsuits in other sexual abuse cases.<ref name="thetimes" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Handel|first1=Jonathan|date=May 29, 2014|title=Garth Ancier Files Motion to Dismiss Sex Abuse Case|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/garth-ancier-files-motion-dismiss-708047|access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Handel|first1=Jonathan|date=December 30, 2014|title=Complexities Multiply for Hollywood Sex Abuse Accuser After Criminal Indictment, Civil Suit (Analysis)|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/complexities-multiply-hollywood-sex-abuse-760741|access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Handel|first1=Jonathan|date=June 7, 2015|title=Hollywood Sex Abuse Accuser's Lawyers Admit Filing "Untrue and Provably False" Claims|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-sex-abuse-accusers-lawyers-800601|access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref> Allegations were repeated in the documentary ''[[An Open Secret]]'' about Pierce and convicted [[sex offender]] (and DEN co-founder) [[Marc Collins-Rector]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Marotta|first1=Jenna|date=October 26, 2017|title=Hollywood's Underage Sexual Abuse Problem: 5 Shocking Injustices From 'An Open Secret'|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/10/hollywoods-underage-sexual-abuse-problem-5-shocking-injustices-from-an-open-secret-1201891024/amp/|website=[[Indiewire]]}}</ref> |
The three plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed all charges against Pierce without receiving any compensation.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Abramovitch|first1=Seth|date=May 23, 2016|title=Elijah Wood Denies Personal Knowledge of Child Sex Abuse in Hollywood (Exclusive)|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/elijah-wood-denies-personal-knowledge-896754|access-date=August 20, 2020}}</ref> Court records show that Pierce paid $21,600 to one of the plaintiff's attorneys because said attorney refused to file the order of dismissal requested by his client until the attorney's expenses were reimbursed.<ref name="halt">{{cite web|title=The Truth About Presidential Candidate Brock Pierce's Legal Payment|url=https://www.halt.org/presidential-candidate-brock-pierces-legal-payment/|access-date=August 20, 2020|website=Halt Law: Connecting Attorneys with Clients in Need}}</ref> None of the accusations against Pierce has ever been corroborated, and the primary plaintiff has been convicted of fraud and has admitted to filing false lawsuits in other sexual abuse cases.<ref name="thetimes" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Handel|first1=Jonathan|date=May 29, 2014|title=Garth Ancier Files Motion to Dismiss Sex Abuse Case|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/garth-ancier-files-motion-dismiss-708047|access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Handel|first1=Jonathan|date=December 30, 2014|title=Complexities Multiply for Hollywood Sex Abuse Accuser After Criminal Indictment, Civil Suit (Analysis)|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/complexities-multiply-hollywood-sex-abuse-760741|access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Handel|first1=Jonathan|date=June 7, 2015|title=Hollywood Sex Abuse Accuser's Lawyers Admit Filing "Untrue and Provably False" Claims|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-sex-abuse-accusers-lawyers-800601|access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref> Allegations were repeated in the documentary ''[[An Open Secret]]'' about Pierce and convicted [[sex offender]] (and DEN co-founder) [[Marc Collins-Rector]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Marotta|first1=Jenna|date=October 26, 2017|title=Hollywood's Underage Sexual Abuse Problem: 5 Shocking Injustices From 'An Open Secret'|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/10/hollywoods-underage-sexual-abuse-problem-5-shocking-injustices-from-an-open-secret-1201891024/amp/|website=[[Indiewire]]}}</ref> |
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=== Bitcoin and cryptocurrency === |
=== Bitcoin and cryptocurrency === |
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In 2013, Pierce joined brothers Bart and Bradford Stephens in founding [[venture capital]] firm [[Blockchain Capital]] (BCC) which was reported to have raised $85 million in two venture funds by October 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/17/blockchain-capital-raising-150-million-for-two-funds.html|newspaper=CNBC|title=Crypto venture firm Blockchain Capital is raising $150 million for two funds|date=October 17, 2017|last=Levy|first=Ari|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317165000/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/17/blockchain-capital-raising-150-million-for-two-funds.html|archive-date=March 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Blockchain Capital raised a third fund using digital security offering on the [[blockchain]], one of the first traded security tokens.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tabatabai |first1=Arman |title=Openfinance opens up US trading of third-party digital assets |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/16/openfinance-opens-up-us/ |access-date=23 |
In 2013, Pierce joined brothers Bart and Bradford Stephens in founding [[venture capital]] firm [[Blockchain Capital]] (BCC) which was reported to have raised $85 million in two venture funds by October 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/17/blockchain-capital-raising-150-million-for-two-funds.html|newspaper=CNBC|title=Crypto venture firm Blockchain Capital is raising $150 million for two funds|date=October 17, 2017|last=Levy|first=Ari|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317165000/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/17/blockchain-capital-raising-150-million-for-two-funds.html|archive-date=March 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Blockchain Capital raised a third fund using digital security offering on the [[blockchain]], one of the first traded security tokens.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tabatabai |first1=Arman |title=Openfinance opens up US trading of third-party digital assets |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/16/openfinance-opens-up-us/ |access-date=October 23, 2020 |work=TechCrunch |date=May 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kastelein |first1=Richard |title=What Initial Coin Offerings Are, and Why VC Firms Care |url=https://hbr.org/2017/03/what-initial-coin-offerings-are-and-why-vc-firms-care |access-date=October 23, 2020 |work=Harvard Business Review |date=March 24, 2017}}</ref> |
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Pierce worked with Mastercoin, a startup that raised capital via an [[initial coin offering]] (ICO) in 2013. According to Bloomberg, this “kicked off a worldwide ICO craze, with hundreds of startups raising billions of dollars”.<ref name="bloombergteth" /> |
Pierce worked with Mastercoin, a startup that raised capital via an [[initial coin offering]] (ICO) in 2013. According to Bloomberg, this “kicked off a worldwide ICO craze, with hundreds of startups raising billions of dollars”.<ref name="bloombergteth" /> |
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In March 2014, Pierce and a group of investors filed an offer to purchase the assets of [[Mt Gox]] using a Cypriot entity called Sunlot Holdings Ltd. The month before, Mt Gox had shut down operations and filed for bankruptcy in [[Tokyo]] after announcing that it had lost 850,000 [[Bitcoin]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Layne |first1=Nathan |title=Investor group offers to take over, revive Mt. Gox |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bitcoin-mtgox-investorgroup-idUSBREA3922Q20140411 |access-date=23 |
In March 2014, Pierce and a group of investors filed an offer to purchase the assets of [[Mt Gox]] using a Cypriot entity called Sunlot Holdings Ltd. The month before, Mt Gox had shut down operations and filed for bankruptcy in [[Tokyo]] after announcing that it had lost 850,000 [[Bitcoin]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Layne |first1=Nathan |title=Investor group offers to take over, revive Mt. Gox |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bitcoin-mtgox-investorgroup-idUSBREA3922Q20140411 |access-date=October 23, 2020 |work=[[Reuters]]|date=April 11, 2014 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Farivar |first1=Cyrus |title=Investors step forward to acquire Mt. Gox, settle class-action lawsuits |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/04/investors-step-forward-to-acquire-mt-gox-settle-class-action-lawsuits/ |access-date=October 23, 2020 |work=Ars Technica |date=April 29, 2014 |language=en-us}}</ref> |
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Pierce was elected Director of the [[Bitcoin Foundation]] in May 2014.<ref name="Menn">{{cite web|last1=Menn|first1=Joseph|title=Bitcoin Foundation hit by resignations over new director|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bitcoin-foundation-resignations-idUSBREA4F02B20140516|work=Reuters|date=May 16, 2014|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518163935/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-bitcoin-foundation-resignations-idUSBREA4F02B20140516|archive-date=May 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{ |
Pierce was elected Director of the [[Bitcoin Foundation]] in May 2014.<ref name="Menn">{{cite web|last1=Menn|first1=Joseph|title=Bitcoin Foundation hit by resignations over new director|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bitcoin-foundation-resignations-idUSBREA4F02B20140516|work=Reuters|date=May 16, 2014|access-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518163935/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-bitcoin-foundation-resignations-idUSBREA4F02B20140516|archive-date=May 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Crypto-Currency Partners Partner Brock Pierce - The Bitcoin Knowledge Podcast|url=https://www.bitcoin.kn/2014/12/btck-119-2014-12-21/|access-date=February 21, 2021 |website=www.bitcoin.kn}}</ref> Several members of the Bitcoin Foundation resigned over concerns about the directors.<ref name="Ars">{{cite web |last1=Arivar|first1=Cyris|title=Some in Bitcoin group resign over new board member's link to sex abuse|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/05/some-in-bitcoin-group-resign-over-new-board-members-link-to-sex-abuse/|website=Ars Technica|date=May 16, 2014 |access-date=March 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307021716/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/05/some-in-bitcoin-group-resign-over-new-board-members-link-to-sex-abuse/ |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The organization announced its insolvency in July 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/news/olivier-janssens-bitcoin-foundation-has-no-money-left/ |title=Olivier Janssens: Bitcoin Foundation Has No Money Left |last=Pick |first= Leon |date=July 4, 2015 |website=Financial Magnates |access-date=March 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410234009/http://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/news/olivier-janssens-bitcoin-foundation-has-no-money-left/ |archive-date=April 10, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In 2015, Pierce served as a technical consultant for an episode of [[Silicon Valley (TV series)|''Silicon Valley'']].{{citation needed|date=October 2020}} |
In 2015, Pierce served as a technical consultant for an episode of [[Silicon Valley (TV series)|''Silicon Valley'']].{{citation needed|date=October 2020}} |
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[[File:Brock Pierce at the SingularityU The Netherlands Summit 2016 (29033319263) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Pierce speaking at the SingularityU summit in 2016]] |
[[File:Brock Pierce at the SingularityU The Netherlands Summit 2016 (29033319263) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Pierce speaking at the SingularityU summit in 2016]] |
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In a February 2018 issue of ''Forbes'' magazine Pierce was named in the "top 20 wealthiest people in crypto" with an estimated net worth between $700 million and $1.1 billion.<ref>{{ |
In a February 2018 issue of ''Forbes'' magazine Pierce was named in the "top 20 wealthiest people in crypto" with an estimated net worth between $700 million and $1.1 billion.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Forbes Releases First-Ever Crypto Rich List, A Compilation Of The 20 Wealthiest People In Crypto |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbespr/2018/02/07/forbes-releases-first-ever-crypto-rich-list-a-compilation-of-the-20-wealthiest-people-in-crypto/ |magazine=[[Forbes]] |date=February 7, 2018 |access-date=February 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207131010/https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbespr/2018/02/07/forbes-releases-first-ever-crypto-rich-list-a-compilation-of-the-20-wealthiest-people-in-crypto/ |archive-date=February 7, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Pierce was a co-founder of the cryptocurrency [[Tether (cryptocurrency)|Tether]] with Reeve Collins and Craig Sellars in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Casey |first1=Michael J. |title=Dollar-Backed Digital Currency Aims to Fix Bitcoin's Volatility Dilemma |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2014/07/08/dollar-backed-digital-currency-aims-to-fix-bitcoins-volatility-dilemma/ |access-date=August 20, 2020 |work=WSJ |date=July 8, 2014}}</ref> Tether surpassed Bitcoin in trading volume with the highest daily and monthly trading volume of any cryptocurrency on the market in 2019.<ref name="tethernotbit">{{cite news |title=Bloomberg - Tether, not Bitcoin is likely the worlds most used currency |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-01/tether-not-bitcoin-likely-the-world-s-most-used-cryptocurrency |work=www.bloomberg.com}}</ref> Tether is a so-called stablecoin because it allegedly maintains $1 dollar in reserves for each tether issued.<ref name="tethernotbit" /> In 2020, a court permitted the [[Attorney General of New York]] to pursue a claim that [[Bitfinex]], an affiliated exchange, did not disclose the loss of commingled funds.<ref name="bloombergteth">{{cite news |last1=Kharif |first1=Olga |title=Crypto Coin Founder Joins Skeptics While Investigation Heats Up |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-10/crypto-coin-founder-joins-skeptics-while-investigation-heats-up |access-date=August 20, 2020 |work=www.bloomberg.com |date=July 10, 2020}}</ref> In an interview in July 2020, Pierce said his involvement in Tether ended in 2015 but described Tether as "one of the most important innovations in currency."<ref name="bloombergteth" /> |
Pierce was a co-founder of the cryptocurrency [[Tether (cryptocurrency)|Tether]] with Reeve Collins and Craig Sellars in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Casey |first1=Michael J. |title=Dollar-Backed Digital Currency Aims to Fix Bitcoin's Volatility Dilemma |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2014/07/08/dollar-backed-digital-currency-aims-to-fix-bitcoins-volatility-dilemma/ |access-date=August 20, 2020 |work=WSJ |date=July 8, 2014}}</ref> Tether surpassed Bitcoin in trading volume with the highest daily and monthly trading volume of any cryptocurrency on the market in 2019.<ref name="tethernotbit">{{cite news |title=Bloomberg - Tether, not Bitcoin is likely the worlds most used currency |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-01/tether-not-bitcoin-likely-the-world-s-most-used-cryptocurrency |work=www.bloomberg.com}}</ref> Tether is a so-called stablecoin because it allegedly maintains $1 dollar in reserves for each tether issued.<ref name="tethernotbit" /> In 2020, a court permitted the [[Attorney General of New York]] to pursue a claim that [[Bitfinex]], an affiliated exchange, did not disclose the loss of commingled funds.<ref name="bloombergteth">{{cite news |last1=Kharif |first1=Olga |title=Crypto Coin Founder Joins Skeptics While Investigation Heats Up |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-10/crypto-coin-founder-joins-skeptics-while-investigation-heats-up |access-date=August 20, 2020 |work=www.bloomberg.com |date=July 10, 2020}}</ref> In an interview in July 2020, Pierce said his involvement in Tether ended in 2015 but described Tether as "one of the most important innovations in currency."<ref name="bloombergteth" /> |
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Pierce brought in [[Steve Bannon]], formerly of [[Goldman Sachs]] and [[Breitbart News]], to seek venture capital and a deal was made in February 2006 yielding $60 million of which Pierce took away $20 million for a minority stake. The next year the company facing a class-action lawsuit. With no assets, the company failed and Pierce was forced out.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Wired News|url=https://www.wired.com/2008/11/ff-ige/|title=The Decline and Fall of an Ultra Rich Online Gaming Empire|date=November 24, 2008|last=Dibbell|first=Julian|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227005700/https://www.wired.com/2008/11/ff-ige/|archive-date=February 27, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> |
Pierce brought in [[Steve Bannon]], formerly of [[Goldman Sachs]] and [[Breitbart News]], to seek venture capital and a deal was made in February 2006 yielding $60 million of which Pierce took away $20 million for a minority stake. The next year the company facing a class-action lawsuit. With no assets, the company failed and Pierce was forced out.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Wired News|url=https://www.wired.com/2008/11/ff-ige/|title=The Decline and Fall of an Ultra Rich Online Gaming Empire|date=November 24, 2008|last=Dibbell|first=Julian|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227005700/https://www.wired.com/2008/11/ff-ige/|archive-date=February 27, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Pierce founded [[Allakhazam|ZAM]], a network of websites oriented around massively multiplayer online role-playing games ([[MMORPG]]), such as ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', ''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic]]'', ''[[Rift]]'', ''[[EverQuest]]'', etc., in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/04/19/new-funding-in-tow-playsino-places-its-bet-on-social-casino-gaming/ |title=TechCrunch - Playsino Funding |access-date=June 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705060431/https://techcrunch.com/2012/04/19/new-funding-in-tow-playsino-places-its-bet-on-social-casino-gaming/ |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ZAM.com network included gaming websites such as ZAM.com, [[Wowhead]], [[Thottbot]], Torhead, and D3DB. |
Pierce founded [[Allakhazam|ZAM]], a network of websites oriented around massively multiplayer online role-playing games ([[MMORPG]]), such as ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', ''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic]]'', ''[[Rift]]'', ''[[EverQuest]]'', etc., in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/04/19/new-funding-in-tow-playsino-places-its-bet-on-social-casino-gaming/ |title=TechCrunch - Playsino Funding |access-date=June 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705060431/https://techcrunch.com/2012/04/19/new-funding-in-tow-playsino-places-its-bet-on-social-casino-gaming/ |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ZAM.com network included gaming websites such as ZAM.com, [[Wowhead]], [[Thottbot]], Torhead, and D3DB. In March, 2012, Chinese internet and tech giant, Tencent, acquired ZAM.<ref name="marbridgeconsulting.com">{{cite news |title=Tencent Acquires US Online Gaming News and Community Firm ZAM |url=https://www.marbridgeconsulting.com/marbridgedaily/2012-03-01/article/54111/tencent_acquires_european_gaming_news_firm |access-date=March 10, 2022 |publisher=marbridgeconsulting.com |date=March 1, 2012}}</ref> |
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=== Titan Gaming/Playsino === |
=== Titan Gaming/Playsino === |
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In 2010, Titan Gaming recruited Pierce to sit on its board along with [[EA]] Executive Keith McCurdy.<ref>{{ |
In 2010, Titan Gaming recruited Pierce to sit on its board along with [[EA]] Executive Keith McCurdy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://titanplatform.com/2010-07-08-titan-gaming-taps-pierce-mccurdy-for-board.php |title=Titan Gaming Taps Pierce, McCurdy For Board |date=July 8, 2010 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100719003049/http://titanplatform.com/2010-07-08-titan-gaming-taps-pierce-mccurdy-for-board.php |archive-date=July 19, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Pierce joined other Southern California angel investors, including [[MP3.com]]'s Michael Robertson, [[SOA Software]]'s Eric Pulier and William Quigley, and Jim Armstrong of [[Clearstone Ventures]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/29717/Competitive_Gaming_Heats_Up_With_Titans_Xfire_Acquisition.php |title=Competitive Gaming Heats Up With Titan's Xfire Acquisition |first=Leigh |last=Alexander |date=August 3, 2010 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115124640/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/29717/Competitive_Gaming_Heats_Up_With_Titans_Xfire_Acquisition.php |archive-date=January 15, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> Also that year, Titan Gaming purchased the rising online gaming network Xfire from Viacom.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.techspot.com/news/39858-xfire-purchased-by-titan-gaming-developers-leaving.html |title=Xfire purchased by Titan Gaming, developers leaving |first=Matthew |last=DeCarlo |date=August 3, 2010 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806141607/http://www.techspot.com/news/39858-xfire-purchased-by-titan-gaming-developers-leaving.html |archive-date=August 6, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2011, after Xfire received over $4 million in fresh funding from Intel Capital, Titan Gaming and Xfire cut ties and went their own ways. Titan Gaming and Xfire now operate independently.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wauters|first=Robin|title=Xfire To Fly Solo Again, Raises $4 Million From Intel Capital|url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/10/06/xfire-to-fly-solo-again-raises-4-million-from-intel-capital/|access-date=October 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007053610/http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/06/xfire-to-fly-solo-again-raises-4-million-from-intel-capital/|archive-date=October 7, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In late April 2012, Titan Gaming announced that it would be rebranded as Playsino to embark in a complete makeover, with Pierce as the new CEO and $1.5 million of new funding.{{citation needed|date=May 2019}} |
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As of 2013, Pierce was managing director of the Clearstone Global Gaming Fund a board member of IMI Exchange (a remnant of the IGE restructuring), Xfire, Playsino (having been replaced as CEO in 2013), GoCoin, FGL, Spicy Horse Games, KnCMiner.cn and the Mastercoin Foundation. He was also a member investor of Bit Angels and an investor in BTC China.<ref name=Caltech /> |
As of 2013, Pierce was managing director of the Clearstone Global Gaming Fund a board member of IMI Exchange (a remnant of the IGE restructuring), Xfire, Playsino (having been replaced as CEO in 2013), GoCoin, FGL, Spicy Horse Games, KnCMiner.cn and the Mastercoin Foundation. He was also a member investor of Bit Angels and an investor in BTC China.<ref name=Caltech /> IMI exchange was subsequently acquired by Moda Inc.<ref name="relationshipscience.com">{{cite news |title=Stephens Investment Management LLC - Relationship Science |url=https://relationshipscience.com/organization/stephens-investment-management-llc-571123 |access-date=March 10, 2022 |publisher=relationshipscience.com |date=2011}}</ref> |
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Pierce has been a guest speaker at the [[Milken Global Conference]],<ref>{{ |
Pierce has been a guest speaker at the [[Milken Global Conference]],<ref>{{cite web |title =Global Conference 2012 Speaker: Brock Pierce|url=http://www.milkeninstitute.org/events/conferences/global-conference/2012/speaker-detail/8604 |website=www.milkeninstitute.org |access-date=December 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224061813/http://www.milkeninstitute.org/events/conferences/global-conference/2012/speaker-detail/8604 |archive-date=December 24, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Singularity University]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Pierce {{!}} SU Videos |url=http://videos.singularityu.org/author/brock-pierce/ |website=videos.singularityu.org |access-date=December 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224104741/http://videos.singularityu.org/author/brock-pierce/|archive-date=December 24, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Caltech]].<ref name=Caltech>{{cite web |title=Caltech Entrepreneurs Forum Speaker Biography |url=https://www.entforum.caltech.edu/speakerbios.htm |website=www.entforum.caltech.edu |access-date=December 23, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224103827/https://www.entforum.caltech.edu/speakerbios.htm |archive-date=December 24, 2015}}</ref> |
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=== Real Estate === |
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Passionate about preserving historical places and buildings of global significance, Pierce has acquired a number of historic properties in efforts of preserving their history for the present and future. In an article on Pierce, journalist Katerina Leroy notes that "It seems that Pierce is becoming known for his ability to not only take us into the future, but also into the past by preserving significant pieces of history as part of his legacy."<ref name="officielmonaco.com">{{cite news |last1=Leroy |first1=Katerina |title=Brock Pierce: An American Blockchain Legend and Multitalent |url=https://www.lofficielmonaco.com/business-tech/brock-pierce-an-american-blockchain-legend-and-multitalent |publisher=officielmonaco.com |date=August 20, 2021 |access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> |
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In 2018, Pierce converted a former monastery in the Old City of San Juan, Puerto Rico into his headquarters.<ref name="NYTIMES">{{cite news |last1=Bowles |first1=Nellie |title=Making a Crypto Utopia in Puerto Rico |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/02/technology/cryptocurrency-puerto-rico.html |access-date=March 10, 2022 |publisher=NYTIMES |date=February 8, 2018}}</ref> “It’s the oldest monastery in the Americas, and it’s on the first road built by the Conquistadors, the Road of Christ," Pierce said in an interview. Pierce's motivation for converting the Monastery into his headquarters on the island is articulated in Clara Thiry's Master's Dissertation, in which she states that Pierce's first major projects in Puerto Rico were "predominantly for rebuilding the infrastructure, especially electricity" in the wake of the damage caused by [[hurricane Maria]].<ref name="libstore.ugent.be">{{cite web |last1=Thiry |first1=Clara |title=A NEW ERA FOR ENERGY COLONIALISM? A CASE STUDY ON PUERTO RICO, CRYPTOCURRENCIES AND BLOCKCHAIN |url=https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/002/791/408/RUG01-002791408_2019_0001_AC.pdf |website=libstore.ugent.be |publisher=libstore.ugent.be |access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> In addition to this, Pierce's work in Puerto Rico focused in large part on healing the damage caused by centuries of colonialism and centralized government control of the island.<ref name="libstore.ugent.be">{{cite web |last1=Thiry |first1=Clara |title=A NEW ERA FOR ENERGY COLONIALISM? A CASE STUDY ON PUERTO RICO, CRYPTOCURRENCIES AND BLOCKCHAIN |url=https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/002/791/408/RUG01-002791408_2019_0001_AC.pdf |website=libstore.ugent.be |publisher=libstore.ugent.be |access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> As he states in an interview published by Thiry, his work in Puerto Rico grew out of the desire to create a decentralized utopian community of “global citizens” with the “common goal of helping boost the local economy.”<ref name="libstore.ugent.be">{{cite web |last1=Thiry |first1=Clara |title=A NEW ERA FOR ENERGY COLONIALISM? A CASE STUDY ON PUERTO RICO, CRYPTOCURRENCIES AND BLOCKCHAIN |url=https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/002/791/408/RUG01-002791408_2019_0001_AC.pdf |website=libstore.ugent.be |publisher=libstore.ugent.be |access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> |
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In April, 2019, Pierce made history when he purchased a former underground Catholic Church, built in the 17th Century in Amsterdam, Netherlands using the world's "first-ever crypto-backed mortgage."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hamacher |first1=Adriana |title=First Bitcoin mortgage taken out by former Mighty Ducks star, Brock Pierce |url=https://decrypt.co/6339/first-bitcoin-mortgage-mighty-ducks-star-brock-pierce-real-estate-loan |access-date=March 10, 2022 |publisher=decrypt.co |date=April 5, 2019 |ref=decrypt.co}}</ref><ref name="ccn.com/">{{cite news |last1=Chang |first1=Samantha |title=Actor-Turned-Crypto Whiz Brock Pierce Buys $1.3 Million Mansion with Bitcoin |url=https://www.ccn.com/actor-turned-crypto-whiz-brock-pierce-buys-1-3-million-mansion-with-bitcoin/ |access-date=March 10, 2022 |publisher=ccn.com/ |date=April 4, 2019}}</ref> |
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During his independent run for US President in 2020, Pierce purchased NBA star Dwight Howard's Pierce School Loft in Washington, D.C.<ref name="washingtonian.com">{{cite news |last1=Sidman |first1=Jessica |title=Ex-Child Actor Running For President Buys NBA Star’s $2 Million Penthouse Loft in DC |url=https://www.washingtonian.com/2020/07/21/ex-child-actor-running-for-president-buys-nba-stars-2-million-penthouse-loft-in-dc/ |access-date=March 10, 2022 |publisher=washingtonian.com |date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> Originally built in 1893, the Pierce School Lofts are located in a former schoolhouse named for US President [[Franklin Pierce]].<ref name="bcwashington.com">{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Anisa |title=Dwight Howard's DC Schoolhouse-Turned-Penthouse Listed for Nearly $2.5M |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/entertainment/the-scene/photos-nba-players-schoolhouse-turned-penthouse-listed-for-nearly-2-5-million/2199854/ |access-date=March 10, 2022 |publisher=bcwashington.com |date=January 27, 2020}}</ref> The Pierce School Loft is currently in use as a meeting place for activists, national and local leaders and politicians to collaborate on creating a better the future for America and the world.<ref name="nypost.com">{{cite news |last1=Mohr |first1=Ian |title=Brock Pierce wraps renovation on Dwight Howard’s former loft |url=https://nypost.com/2021/02/21/brock-pierce-wraps-renovation-on-dwight-howards-former-loft/ |access-date=March 10, 2022 |publisher=NYpost |date=February 21, 2021}}</ref> |
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In January, 2022, Pierce purchased the W Hotel on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, which shuttered in the aftermath of [[hurricane Maria]]. “Having watched it stay closed for years and seeing it on the market for a long time it seemed like the proper thing to do,” Pierce said in an interview.<ref name="pagesix">{{cite news |last1=Siegler |first1=Mara |title=Crypto billionaire Brock Pierce buys W Hotel in Puerto Rico |url=https://pagesix.com/2022/01/28/crypto-billionaire-brock-pierce-buys-w-hotel-in-puerto-rico/ |date=January 28, 2022}}</ref> Pierce's acquisition of the property is part of his broader focus on revitalizing the economy of Puerto Rico through creating real economic opportunities and growth for its citizens in addition to remediating its environment after decades of environmental degradation. Highlighting the key objectives and motivation behind the project in Vieques, Pierce stated: “Considering the damage, it will need repairs and restoration. The idea is about regenerative practices. We will attempt to innovate and do something new.”<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siegler |first1=Mara |title=Crypto billionaire Brock Pierce buys W Hotel in Puerto Rico |url=https://pagesix.com/2022/01/28/crypto-billionaire-brock-pierce-buys-w-hotel-in-puerto-rico/|date=January 28, 2022}}</ref> |
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== Philanthropy == |
== Philanthropy == |
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Pierce founded the Brock Pierce Foundation and the Integro Foundation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nelson |first1=Danny |title=Binance, Brock Pierce Donate $1M to Puerto Rico's COVID-19 Fight |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/binance-brock-pierce-donate-1m-121000423.html |access-date=February 10, 2021 |work=finance.yahoo.com |date=April 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Integro Foundation joins effort to raise $1M, donate 200K masks in Puerto Rico |url=https://newsismybusiness.com/integro-foundation-joins-effort-to-raise-1m-donate-200k-masks-in-puerto-rico/ |access-date=August 13, 2020 |work=News is My Business |date=February 10, 2021}}</ref> |
Pierce founded the Brock Pierce Foundation and the Integro Foundation, a Puerto Rico based not-for-profit organization which provides philanthropic resources to Puerto Rico, the Caribbean Islands, and the indigenous people of the Americas. According to their website, the Integro Foundation works to empower "grassroots organizations to maximize positive change by offering grants that create a lasting ROI – return on impact."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nelson |first1=Danny |title=Binance, Brock Pierce Donate $1M to Puerto Rico's COVID-19 Fight |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/binance-brock-pierce-donate-1m-121000423.html |access-date=February 10, 2021 |work=finance.yahoo.com |date=April 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Integro Foundation joins effort to raise $1M, donate 200K masks in Puerto Rico |url=https://newsismybusiness.com/integro-foundation-joins-effort-to-raise-1m-donate-200k-masks-in-puerto-rico/ |access-date=August 13, 2020 |work=News is My Business |date=February 10, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Integro Foundation">{{cite web |title=Integro Foundation About |url=https://www.integrofoundation.org/#team |website=integrofoundation.org |access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> |
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Having moved to Puerto Rico in 2017, Pierce focused on humanitarian work and philanthropy after witnessing the detrimental impact of Hurricane Maria on the island. Pierce founded the Integro Foundation in response to this crisis. Integro's philanthropic work is designed to revitalize "areas in critical need, empower humans, promote sustainability, and provide the needed resources to thrive."</ref><ref name="Integro Foundation">{{cite web |title=Integro Foundation About |url=https://www.integrofoundation.org/#team |website=integrofoundation.org |access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> The foundation "provides urgent relief during times of crisis, working with vetted local charities, organizations, and government agencies to deploy resources efficiently, with fully accountable donations."<ref name="AP News">{{cite news |title=New Presidential Candidate: Brock Pierce |url=https://apnews.com/press-release/pr-newswire/technology-elections-campaigns-presidential-elections-election-2020-4bc30a4ef4dc32b42b1e0429dd9fdd8d |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Associated Press |date=2020-07-06}}</ref> |
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⚫ | During the Covid-19 crisis in April, 2020, Pierce's Integro Foundation collaborated with [[Binance]] charity to raise $1 million for [[KN-95]] masks to aid in Puerto Rico's fight to stop the spread of the virus.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nelson |first1=Danny |title=Binance, Brock Pierce Donate $1M to Puerto Rico's COVID-19 Fight |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/binance-brock-pierce-donate-1m-121000423.html |access-date=August 13, 2020 |work=finance.yahoo.com |date=April 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Integro Foundation joins effort to raise $1M, donate 200K masks in Puerto Rico |url=https://newsismybusiness.com/integro-foundation-joins-effort-to-raise-1m-donate-200k-masks-in-puerto-rico/ |access-date=August 13, 2020 |work=News is My Business |date=August 10, 2020}}</ref> |
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Pierce has worked with communities in the U.S. Northeast and Puerto Rico to help struggling families and children through supporting organizations such as the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. Pierce currently serves as the Vice Chair and spokesperson of the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation of New York, Long Island and Puerto Rico.<ref name="Fox News">{{cite news |last1=Conklin |first1=Audrey |title=Toys For Tots Prepares for Supply Shortage this Holiday Season |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/toys-for-tots-supply-shortage-holidays |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Fox News |date=July 31, 2021}}</ref> As Vice Chair, Pierce collaborates with |
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veterans, volunteers, donors and local communities to provide families and children in need with gifts for Christmas and the holiday season.<ref name="Fox News">{{cite news |last1=Conklin |first1=Audrey |title=Toys For Tots Prepares for Supply Shortage this Holiday Season |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/toys-for-tots-supply-shortage-holidays |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Fox News |date=July 31, 2021}}</ref> |
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Pierce's philanthropic work in Puerto Rico is discussed in Clara Thiry's Master's dissertation, in which she details Pierce's first major philanthropic project on the Island. In her dissertation she writes that "The first projects that were set up by Pierce and others were predominantly for rebuilding the infrastructure, especially electricity...new projects popped up to educate local |
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communities and bringing blockchain into the daily lives of the Puerto Ricans. One of the first comprehensive charity programs is Restart by Brock Pierce."<ref name="libstore.ugent.be">{{cite web |last1=Thiry |first1=Clara |title=A NEW ERA FOR ENERGY COLONIALISM? A CASE STUDY ON PUERTO RICO, CRYPTOCURRENCIES AND BLOCKCHAIN |url=https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/002/791/408/RUG01-002791408_2019_0001_AC.pdf |website=libstore.ugent.be |publisher=libstore.ugent.be |access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> Drawing on an interview with Pierce, Thiry writes: "By organising a full week of activities on blockchain, cryptocurrencies and innovative technology, he wishes to create a decentralised community of “global citizens” with the “common goal of helping boost the local economy”.<ref name="libstore.ugent.be">{{cite web |last1=Thiry |first1=Clara |title=A NEW ERA FOR ENERGY COLONIALISM? A CASE STUDY ON PUERTO RICO, CRYPTOCURRENCIES AND BLOCKCHAIN |url=https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/002/791/408/RUG01-002791408_2019_0001_AC.pdf |website=libstore.ugent.be |publisher=libstore.ugent.be |access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> During the initial Restart Week San Juan, Pierce established projects in collaboration with local charities and academic institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico.<ref name="libstore.ugent.be">{{cite web |last1=Thiry |first1=Clara |title=A NEW ERA FOR ENERGY COLONIALISM? A CASE STUDY ON PUERTO RICO, CRYPTOCURRENCIES AND BLOCKCHAIN |url=https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/002/791/408/RUG01-002791408_2019_0001_AC.pdf |website=libstore.ugent.be |publisher=libstore.ugent.be |access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> |
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In late 2021, Pierce funded a new NYPD Gaming Trucks initiative to heal the divide between communities and police in New York City. As a veteran of the gaming and technology industries, Pierce worked closely with New York City councilmembers, politicians and law enforcement to launch two state-of-the-art NYPD community gaming trucks where at-risk youth and local police officers can come together to play videogames and build bridges. Commenting on the launch of this groundbreaking initiative, former City Councilman [[Robert Cornegy]], Jr. said "It's about relax and release, creating a sanctuary and a safe place for our young people to be in," amidst "an escalated time of gun violence and gang violence."<ref name="ABC7 Eyewitness News">{{cite news |title=Former Disney star Brock Pierce, NYPD unveil new gaming trucks to Brooklyn school children |url=https://abc7ny.com/nypd-gaming-trucks-brock-pierce-disney-star-blank-check/11147142/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=ABC7 Eyewitness News |date=2021-10-20}}</ref> |
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An advocate of sustainable development and protecting the environment, Pierce is a public advocate for Diatom DAO, a [[decentralized autonomous organization]] dedicated to overcoming the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation through protecting the ocean.<ref name="Koreatimes.com">{{cite news |last1=Pierce |first1=Brock |title=Joining Diatom DAO’s Mission to Save the Ocean: Sparking the Regenerative Potential of DeFi |url=http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110166 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Koreatimes.com |date=December 18, 2021}}</ref> As a [[decentralized autonomous organization]], Diatom DAO utilizes the technology and principles of blockchain to determine its organizational governance and structure. In an op-ed Pierce penned to promote Diatom DAO's environmental work, he writes: "As our planet’s critical life support systems are threatened by the interconnected problems of pollution, habitat loss, and climate change, we have a collective responsibility to create and implement the changes necessary to protect life and its future on our planet...As someone who believes that a billionaire is not someone who has a billion dollars but is someone who positively impacts the lives of a billion people, I am a proud supporter and advocate of Diatom’s pioneering mission to deploy decentralized, regenerative finance as an effective way to solve one of the greatest challenges we face collectively as a species."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pierce |first1=Brock |title=Joining Diatom DAO’s Mission to Save the Ocean: Sparking the Regenerative Potential of DeFi |url=http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=110166 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Koreatimes.com |date=2021-12-18}}</ref> Deploying blockchain technology and an NFT auction to raise funds to support ocean plastic removal efforts, Diatom DAO has helped remove an estimated 5,270,305 Kg of plastic from the ocean.<ref name="Diatom DAO">{{cite web |title=DIATOM DAO |url=https://diatom.fund/auction/1 |website=Diatom.fund/ |access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> |
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== Political career == |
== Political career == |
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{{see also|Third party and independent candidates for the 2020 United States presidential election#Brock Pierce, Independent}} |
{{see also|Third party and independent candidates for the 2020 United States presidential election#Brock Pierce, Independent}} |
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On July 5, 2020, Pierce announced his candidacy for [[President of the United States]] in the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020 election]] as an [[Independent politician|Independent]]. The campaign filed registration documents with the [[Federal Election Commission|FEC]] on July 7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ballot-access.org/2020/07/07/brock-pierce-files-as-an-independent-presidential-candidate-with-the-fec/|title=Brock Pierce Files as an Independent Presidential Candidate with the FEC|website=Ballot Access News|last1=Winger|first1=Richard|date=July 7, 2020|access-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708111216/http://ballot-access.org/2020/07/07/brock-pierce-files-as-an-independent-presidential-candidate-with-the-fec/|archive-date=July 8, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Pierce based his campaign around his background as an entrepreneur,<ref name="PeopleP">{{cite web|url=https://people.com/politics/brock-pierce-announces-presidential-run/|title=Brock Pierce, Former Child Actor and Cryptocurrency Entrepreneur, Announces 2020 Presidential Run|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]|last1=Pasquini|first1=Maria|date=July 6, 2020|access-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707221941/https://people.com/politics/brock-pierce-announces-presidential-run/|archive-date=July 7, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and his running mate is Karla Ballard, a fellow entrepreneur.<ref name="arkan" /><ref name="colo" /> Pierce gained ballot access in [[Oklahoma]] on July 15,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ballot-access.org/2020/07/15/three-independent-presidential-candidates-pay-35000-to-qualify-for-oklahoma-ballot/|title=Three Independent Presidential Candidates Pay $35,000 to Qualify for Oklahoma Ballot|website=Ballot Access News|last1=Winger|first1=Richard|date=July 15, 2020|access-date=July 19, 2020}}</ref> in [[Arkansas]] on August 12,<ref name="arkan">{{cite news |last1=Wickline |first1=Michael |title=Rapper Kanye West qualifies for fall ballot in state |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2020/aug/12/rapper-west-qualifies-for-fall-ballot-in-state/ |access-date=August 20, 2020 |work=Arkansas Online |date=August 12, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> [[Colorado]] on August 19.<ref name="colo">{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=John |title=Presidential candidates on Colorado's November 2020 ballot |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2020/08/19/presidential-candidates-2020-colorado-ballot/ |website=The Denver Post |access-date=August 20, 2020 |date=August 19, 2020}}</ref> and was nominated by the [[Independence Party of New York|New York Independence Party]] on August 24.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-independence-party-of-new-york-endorses-brock-pierce-for-president-of-the-united-states-301117435.html|title=The Independence Party of New York Endorses Brock Pierce for President of the United States|last=Independence Party of New York|website=www.prnewswire.com|access-date=November 27, 2020}}</ref> Pierce was endorsed by venture capitalist and Bitcoin advocate [[Tim Draper]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Neumann |first1=Sean |title=How a Child Star-Turned-Millionaire Spent the Years Between Hollywood and Unlikely Bid for President |url=https://people.com/politics/brock-pierce-presidential-campaign-after-child-acting/ |access-date=August 20, 2020 |work=PEOPLE.com |date=July 30, 2020 |language=EN}}</ref> Pierce was also backed up by singer and entrepreneur [[Akon]], who managed his presidential campaign as chief strategist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/music/akon-brock-pierce-bitcoin-presidential-campaign/|title=Akon Will Manage The Presidential Campaign Of 'Mighty Ducks' Actor And Bitcoin Entrepreneur Brock Pierce|work=[[Uproxx]]|date=August 24, 2020|author=Aaron Williams|access-date=September 14, 2020}}</ref> Pierce received just 0.03% of the votes in the election.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official 2020 presidential general election results |url=https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2020presgeresults.pdf |publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]] |access-date= |
On July 5, 2020, Pierce announced his candidacy for [[President of the United States]] in the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020 election]] as an [[Independent politician|Independent]]. The campaign filed registration documents with the [[Federal Election Commission|FEC]] on July 7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ballot-access.org/2020/07/07/brock-pierce-files-as-an-independent-presidential-candidate-with-the-fec/|title=Brock Pierce Files as an Independent Presidential Candidate with the FEC|website=Ballot Access News|last1=Winger|first1=Richard|date=July 7, 2020|access-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708111216/http://ballot-access.org/2020/07/07/brock-pierce-files-as-an-independent-presidential-candidate-with-the-fec/|archive-date=July 8, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Pierce based his campaign around his background as an entrepreneur,<ref name="PeopleP">{{cite web|url=https://people.com/politics/brock-pierce-announces-presidential-run/|title=Brock Pierce, Former Child Actor and Cryptocurrency Entrepreneur, Announces 2020 Presidential Run|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]|last1=Pasquini|first1=Maria|date=July 6, 2020|access-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707221941/https://people.com/politics/brock-pierce-announces-presidential-run/|archive-date=July 7, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and his running mate is Karla Ballard, a fellow entrepreneur.<ref name="arkan" /><ref name="colo" /> Pierce gained ballot access in [[Oklahoma]] on July 15,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ballot-access.org/2020/07/15/three-independent-presidential-candidates-pay-35000-to-qualify-for-oklahoma-ballot/|title=Three Independent Presidential Candidates Pay $35,000 to Qualify for Oklahoma Ballot|website=Ballot Access News|last1=Winger|first1=Richard|date=July 15, 2020|access-date=July 19, 2020}}</ref> in [[Arkansas]] on August 12,<ref name="arkan">{{cite news |last1=Wickline |first1=Michael |title=Rapper Kanye West qualifies for fall ballot in state |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2020/aug/12/rapper-west-qualifies-for-fall-ballot-in-state/ |access-date=August 20, 2020 |work=Arkansas Online |date=August 12, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> [[Colorado]] on August 19.<ref name="colo">{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=John |title=Presidential candidates on Colorado's November 2020 ballot |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2020/08/19/presidential-candidates-2020-colorado-ballot/ |website=The Denver Post |access-date=August 20, 2020 |date=August 19, 2020}}</ref> and was nominated by the [[Independence Party of New York|New York Independence Party]] on August 24.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-independence-party-of-new-york-endorses-brock-pierce-for-president-of-the-united-states-301117435.html|title=The Independence Party of New York Endorses Brock Pierce for President of the United States|last=Independence Party of New York|website=www.prnewswire.com|access-date=November 27, 2020}}</ref> Pierce was endorsed by venture capitalist and Bitcoin advocate [[Tim Draper]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Neumann |first1=Sean |title=How a Child Star-Turned-Millionaire Spent the Years Between Hollywood and Unlikely Bid for President |url=https://people.com/politics/brock-pierce-presidential-campaign-after-child-acting/ |access-date=August 20, 2020 |work=PEOPLE.com |date=July 30, 2020 |language=EN}}</ref> Pierce was also backed up by singer and entrepreneur [[Akon]], who managed his presidential campaign as chief strategist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/music/akon-brock-pierce-bitcoin-presidential-campaign/|title=Akon Will Manage The Presidential Campaign Of 'Mighty Ducks' Actor And Bitcoin Entrepreneur Brock Pierce|work=[[Uproxx]]|date=August 24, 2020|author=Aaron Williams|access-date=September 14, 2020}}</ref> Pierce received just 0.03% of the votes in the election.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official 2020 presidential general election results |url=https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2020presgeresults.pdf |publisher=[[Federal Election Commission]] |access-date=February 6, 2021 |date=February 1, 2021}}</ref> On September 14, he announced that he would form a new party and run candidates in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tobacco|first=John|date=September 14, 2020|title=President Brock Pierce: Let's Put the US Dollar on the Blockchain|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-jCBDsmMX0&feature=youtu.be |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Y-jCBDsmMX0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=September 17, 2020|website=YouTube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Winger|first=Richard|date=September 14, 2020|title=Brock Pierce, Independent Presidential Candidate, Intends to Form a New Party Next Year {{!}} Ballot Access News|url=http://ballot-access.org/2020/09/14/brock-pierce-independent-presidential-candidate-intends-to-form-a-new-party-next-year/|access-date=September 17, 2020 |website=Ballot Access News|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Jesse Ventura]], former Minnesota governor, mayor, actor, and professional wrestler, also endorsed Pierce.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://popculture.com/sports/news/jesse-ventura-slams-anti-maskers-refusal-sacrifice-hitler-would-have-won-wwii/|title=Jesse Ventura Slams Anti-Maskers' Refusal to 'Sacrifice,' Says 'Hitler Would Have Won' If This Was WWII|website=Sports|access-date=November 27, 2020}}</ref> |
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[[File:President Brock 2020 HQ at 2307 Bwy jeh.jpg|thumb|Campaign headquarters, New York City]] |
[[File:President Brock 2020 HQ at 2307 Bwy jeh.jpg|thumb|Campaign headquarters, New York City]] |
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Pierce proposed "America 2.0", with a government that embraces technology,<ref name="WSJindependence">{{cite news |last1=Vielkind |first1=Jimmy |title=New York's Third-Party Candidates Aim for Survival |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-yorks-third-party-candidates-aim-for-survival-11601247601 |access-date= |
Pierce proposed "America 2.0", with a government that embraces technology,<ref name="WSJindependence">{{cite news |last1=Vielkind |first1=Jimmy |title=New York's Third-Party Candidates Aim for Survival |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-yorks-third-party-candidates-aim-for-survival-11601247601 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |work=Wall Street Journal |date=September 27, 2020}}</ref> and believes technology is the biggest issue for the United States' future.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rouger |first1=Nicolas |title=Burning Man in the Rose Garden? This millennial crypto king thinks he can win the White House |url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-burning-man-in-the-rose-garden-millennial-crypto-king-wants-to-win-the-white-house-1.9127793 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |work=Haaretz.com |date=September 5, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Pierce has said that he would institute a [[universal basic income]],<ref name="WT">{{cite news |title='Mighty ducks' child star, bitcoin billionaire launches bid for White House |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/sep/27/brock-pierce-independence-party-candidate-launches/ |access-date=October 2, 2020 |work=The Washington Times |date=September 27, 2020}}</ref> which could be enabled by digital currencies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Van Oot |first1=Torey |title=Minnesotan who starred in "Mighty Ducks" qualifies for presidential ballot |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesotan-who-starred-in-mighty-ducks-qualifies-for-presidential-ballot/572262822/ |access-date=October 2, 2020 |work=Star Tribune |date=August 29, 2020}}</ref> He also supports a single-payer health-care system and the legalization of marijuana.<ref name="Casper">{{cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Nick |title=Brock Pierce is a former child actor and a cryptocurrency billionaire. He wants you to vote for him for president. |url=https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/brock-pierce-is-a-former-child-actor-and-a-cryptocurrency-billionaire-he-wants-you-to/article_157bbe3b-31c7-5cdb-87ca-3d0273fe1cc2.html |access-date=October 2, 2020 |work=Casper Star-Tribune Online |date=September 27, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Stating that the war on drugs has failed, he advocates ending federal enforcement and to pardon and expunge all non-violent cannabis crimes.<ref name="hightimes">{{cite news |last1=Cappetta |first1=Jon |title=Brock Pierce: The Revolutionary Going for the White House |url=https://hightimes.com/news/politics/brock-pierce-revolutionary-white-house/ |access-date=October 26, 2020 |work=High Times |issue=October 22, 2020}}</ref> Pierce has criticized the two-party system and has stated that he intends to start a major [[Third party (United States)|third party]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Winslow |first1=Olivia |title=Brock Pierce, former child actor, running for president |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/brock-pierce-presidential-candidate-independence-party-1.48959922 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |work=Newsday |date=September 4, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
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The [[Free & Equal Elections Foundation]] hosted the Second Open Presidential Debate on October 8, 2020, in [[Denver|Denver, Colorado]], with participation limited to candidates on the ballot in at least eight states.<ref>{{ |
The [[Free & Equal Elections Foundation]] hosted the Second Open Presidential Debate on October 8, 2020, in [[Denver|Denver, Colorado]], with participation limited to candidates on the ballot in at least eight states.<ref>{{cite web|title=Free & Equal {{!}} Watch Free and Equal's Second Open Presidential Debate - October 8th, 2020 at 6PM MT|url=https://freeandequal.org/second-presidential-debate-2020/|access-date=October 17, 2020|language=en-US}}</ref> Participants in the debate included Pierce alongside [[Howie Hawkins]] of the [[Green Party of the United States|Green Party]], [[Brian T. Carroll|Brian Carroll]] of the [[American Solidarity Party]], [[Don Blankenship]] of the [[Constitution Party (United States)|Constitution Party]]; and [[Gloria La Riva]] of the [[Party for Socialism and Liberation|Party for Socialism & Liberation]].<ref>{{cite web|title=During Open Debate, Third Party Candidates Say It's Really the Major Parties Who Are The Spoilers {{!}} Independent Voter News|url=https://ivn.us/posts/during-open-debate-third-party-candidates-say-its-really-the-major-parties-who-are-the-spoilers|access-date=October 17, 2020|website=ivn.us}}</ref> |
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In [[Casper, Wyoming]], Pierce announced the Independent National Convention, to be held in [[Cheyenne, Wyoming]] on October 23–24, 2020. Pierce said the convention would include minor, third-party candidates to share their message.<ref>{{ |
In [[Casper, Wyoming]], Pierce announced the Independent National Convention, to be held in [[Cheyenne, Wyoming]] on October 23–24, 2020. Pierce said the convention would include minor, third-party candidates to share their message.<ref>{{cite web|last=nick.reynolds@trib.com|first=Nick Reynolds 307-266-0634|title=Independent presidential candidate announces plans for independent national convention in Cheyenne|url=https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/independent-presidential-candidate-announces-plans-for-independent-national-convention-in-cheyenne/article_3ed0fe34-6454-5085-9681-02c59324a509.html|access-date=October 17, 2020|website=Casper Star-Tribune Online|language=en}}</ref> |
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Pierce invited independent candidate Kanye West to attend the convention along with five other confirmed independent candidates.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siegler |first1=Mara |title='Mighty Ducks' star Brock Pierce angling for presidential debate with Kanye West |url=https://pagesix.com/2020/10/19/brock-pierce-attempting-to-lure-kanye-west-into-a-debate/amp/?__twitter_impression=true |access-date= |
Pierce invited independent candidate Kanye West to attend the convention along with five other confirmed independent candidates.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siegler |first1=Mara |title='Mighty Ducks' star Brock Pierce angling for presidential debate with Kanye West |url=https://pagesix.com/2020/10/19/brock-pierce-attempting-to-lure-kanye-west-into-a-debate/amp/?__twitter_impression=true |access-date=October 21, 2020 |work=Page Six |date=October 19, 2020}}</ref> Pierce is the only independent candidate to appear on the Wyoming ballot.<ref>{{cite news|title=Candidate Plans Independent National Convention in Wyoming|work=[[U.S. News]]|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wyoming/articles/2020-10-12/candidate-plans-independent-national-convention-in-wyoming}}</ref> |
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On October 13, 2020, Pierce became the first presidential candidate in U.S. history to receive a vote through an app on a personal mobile phone using blockchain technology, in [[Utah County]] using the [[Voatz]] app.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Hollie |title=First presidential vote cast using blockchain technology {{!}} Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/first-presidential-vote-cast-using-blockchain-technology.amp?__twitter_impression=true |access-date= |
On October 13, 2020, Pierce became the first presidential candidate in U.S. history to receive a vote through an app on a personal mobile phone using blockchain technology, in [[Utah County]] using the [[Voatz]] app.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Hollie |title=First presidential vote cast using blockchain technology {{!}} Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/first-presidential-vote-cast-using-blockchain-technology.amp?__twitter_impression=true |access-date=October 21, 2020 |work=www.foxnews.com |issue=October 16, 2020}}</ref> |
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He received the endorsement of the [[Independence Party of New York]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=York|first=Independence Party of New|title=The Independence Party of New York Endorses Brock Pierce for President of the United States|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-independence-party-of-new-york-endorses-brock-pierce-for-president-of-the-united-states-301117435.html|access-date=2021-02-21|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en}}</ref> and the [[Independent Party of Florida]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-12|title=Despite setbacks, FL's Independent Party isn't giving up yet: 'We don't want to give FL to Trump this year'|url=https://www.floridaphoenix.com/2020/08/12/despite-setbacks-fls-independent-party-isnt-giving-up-yet-we-dont-want-to-give-fl-to-trump-this-year/|access-date=2021-02-21|website=Florida Phoenix|language=en-US}}</ref> |
He received the endorsement of the [[Independence Party of New York]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=York|first=Independence Party of New|title=The Independence Party of New York Endorses Brock Pierce for President of the United States|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-independence-party-of-new-york-endorses-brock-pierce-for-president-of-the-united-states-301117435.html|access-date=2021-02-21|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en}}</ref> and the [[Independent Party of Florida]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-12|title=Despite setbacks, FL's Independent Party isn't giving up yet: 'We don't want to give FL to Trump this year'|url=https://www.floridaphoenix.com/2020/08/12/despite-setbacks-fls-independent-party-isnt-giving-up-yet-we-dont-want-to-give-fl-to-trump-this-year/|access-date=2021-02-21|website=Florida Phoenix|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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===2022 Senate campaign=== |
===2022 Senate campaign=== |
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In 2021, it became known that Pierce was considering a run for Senate in Vermont to replace retiring Democrat [[Patrick Leahy]] in [[2022 United States Senate election in Vermont|2022]]. Pierce filed a statement of organization with the [[Federal Election Commission|FEC]] in November 2021 and later confirmed he was considering a run for Senate.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Franjkovic |first1=Teuta |title=Brock Pierce mulls running for US Senate |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/brock-pierce-mulls-running-us-113608886.html |access-date= |
In 2021, it became known that Pierce was considering a run for Senate in Vermont to replace retiring Democrat [[Patrick Leahy]] in [[2022 United States Senate election in Vermont|2022]]. Pierce filed a statement of organization with the [[Federal Election Commission|FEC]] in November 2021 and later confirmed he was considering a run for Senate.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Franjkovic |first1=Teuta |title=Brock Pierce mulls running for US Senate |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/brock-pierce-mulls-running-us-113608886.html |access-date=December 7, 2021 |work=Yahoo |date=November 25, 2021}}</ref> |
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== United Council of Rising Nations == |
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Pierce is the founder and co-chairman of the United Council of Rising Nations (Unicorn.org), a member association that "promotes technology, financial inclusion and equality across all countries, representing nations of all sizes and every sector of the economy."<ref>{{cite web |title=United Council of Rising Nations |url=https://www.unicorn.org |website=Unicorn|access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> The Council is "represented by diplomats and leaders from around the world, who strive to help governments adopt innovation-friendly policies that boost their economies."<ref name="Tittle Press">{{cite news |title=Bitcoin Foundation commemorates World Bitcoin Day in El Salvador |url=https://tittlepress.com/crypto/1200668/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Tittle Press |date=October 5, 2021}}</ref> According to their website, the United Council of Rising Nations is dedicated to the universal principle of "A shared earth." <ref>{{cite web |title=United Council of Rising Nations |url=https://www.unicorn.org |website=unicorn|access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> Their stated mission "is to assist all nations in becoming part of an abundant global economy, including financial inclusion, regenerative resources and sustainable development practices in alignment with the United Nations."<ref>{{cite web |title=United Council of Rising Nations |url=https://www.unicorn.org |website=unicorn |access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> Advocating the ideal of creating an open global economic and political system, the United Council "deploys global delegations of leaders, entrepreneurs and diplomats to nations actively seeking to advance their economies through technology," supporting governments that both enact and implement policies that drive innovation and the United Nations [[sustainable development goals]].<ref>{{cite web |title=United Council of Rising Nations |url=https://www.unicorn.org |website=unicorn|access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> A central pillar of the United Council's agenda is the principle "Together We Rise," which was also the campaign slogan of Pierce's US Presidential run in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=United Council of Rising Nations |url=https://www.unicorn.org |website=Unicorn|access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Rice Report">{{cite web |title=Rice Report: Together We Rise #BrockTheVote - Brock Pierce Interview |url=https://3speak.tv/watch?v=ricecrypto/xtzyrlyk |website=3speak.tv |access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> As the Council's website states, a key objective of their global advocacy is assisting all nations in implementing and achieving the United Nations [[Sustainable Development Goals]] for 2030.<ref name=>{{cite web |title=United Council of Rising Nations |url=https://www.unicorn.org |website=unicorn|access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref> |
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Leading United Council delegations around the world, Pierce has advised foreign leaders and dignitaries on sustainable development, [[blockchain technology]], [[cryptocurrency]] and cryptoasset policy and regulation. As a representative of the United Council and the [[Bitcoin Foundation]], Pierce led an international delegation to [[El Salvador]] in June, 2021, in order to advise the Salvadorian government on their formal adoption of [[Bitcoin]] as their national currency.<ref name="WIRED.com">{{cite news |last1=VOLPICELLI |first1=GIAN |title=El Salvador’s Bitcoin Gamble Is Off to a Rocky Start |url=https://www.wired.com/story/el-salvador-bitcoin-rocky-start/#:~:text=A%20former%20child%20actor%2C%20and,dollar%2C%20starting%20on%20September%207%2C |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=WIRED.com |date=2021-09-07}}</ref> After El Salvador formally adopted [[Bitcoin]] as legal tender, Pierce hailed the move for its ability to drive financial inclusion and democratize the financial system. Speaking about El Salvador's adoption of [[Bitcoin]] at a future-of-finance event that was hosted by the Middle East Futures forum in October, 2021, Pierce stated: “Results are unbelievable … they managed to achieve what was my highest expectation. The data shows the courageous move has worked … the latest technologies or innovations can address the global problem of under- or un-banked populations.”<ref name="Thenationalnews.com">{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Alkesh |title=Crypto can drive financial inclusion in developing countries, experts say |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/technology/2021/10/14/cryptocurrencies-can-drive-financial-inclusion-in-developing-countries-experts-say/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Thenationalnews.com |date=October 14, 2021}}</ref> |
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Leading United Council delegations, Pierce has advised foreign leaders on technology and sustainable development in a number of nations around the world. Nations Pierce led delegations to include [[El Salvador]], [[Panama]], [[Ecuador]], [[Guatemala]], [[Saint Kitts and Nevis]], [[Honduras]], [[Morocco]], [[Israel]] and [[Romania]].<ref name="Jerusalem Post">{{cite news |last1=Klein |first1=Zvika |title=Brock Pierce, cryptocurrency 'hippie king,' visits Israel |url=https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/banking-and-finance/article-698513 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Jerusalem Post |date=February 24, 2022}}</ref><ref name="mediafax.ro">{{cite news |last1=Costache |first1=Catalin |title=omania ar putea reglementa piata criptomonedelor |url=https://www.mediafax.ro/economic/romania-ar-putea-reglementa-piata-criptomonedelor-20536610 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=mediafax.ro |date=February 19, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Bitcoinist.com">{{cite news |last1=Próspero |first1=Eduardo |title=Brock Pierce ’s Delegation Discusses Cryptocurrencies With Honduras’ President |url=https://bitcoinist.com/brock-pierce-s-delegation-discusses-cryptocurrencies-with-honduras-president/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=Bitcoinist.com |date=2021-09-09}}</ref><ref name="Brock Pierce Twitter">{{cite web |last1=Pierce |first1=Brock |title=Brock Pierce Twitter Account |url=https://twitter.com/brockpierce?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor |website=Twitter |publisher=Twitter |access-date=March 9, 2022}}</ref><ref name="elperiodico.com">{{cite news |title=Brock Pierce |url=https://elperiodico.com.gt/brock-pierce/ |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=elperiodico.com |date=2021-08-26}}</ref><ref name="SKNvibes.com">{{cite news |title=PM Harris discusses digitalization and economic diversification with a group of investors led by bitcoin billionaire Brock Pierce |url=https://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/117969 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=SKNvibes.com |date=January 12, 2022}}</ref> |
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== Personal life == |
== Personal life == |
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He is married to Crystal Rose, CEO of Sensay.<ref>{{ |
He is married to Crystal Rose, CEO of Sensay and co-chairman of the United Council of Rising Nations.<ref>{{cite web|last=Strauss|first=Neil|date=July 26, 2018|title=Brock Pierce: The Hippie King of Cryptocurrency|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/brock-pierce-hippie-king-of-cryptocurrency-700213/|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2017, he relocated to [[Puerto Rico]] along with other traders, becoming the leader of a group focused on building a utopia on the Island in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.<ref name=NYT>{{cite web|url=https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/02/02/technology/cryptocurrency-puerto-rico.html|title=Making a Crypto Utopia in Puerto Rico|author=Nellie Bowless|publisher=New York Times|date=February 2, 2018 |accessdate=January 26, 2022}}</ref> Citing his historic family roots in the Green Mountain state, Pierce later moved to [[Vermont]]. He currently resides in [[Vermont]].<ref name="decrypt.co">{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Jeff |title=Bitcoin Celeb Brock Pierce Outspending Rivals in Vermont Senate Race |url=https://decrypt.co/94271/bitcoin-celeb-brock-pierce-outspending-rivals-vermont-senate-race |access-date=March 9, 2022 |publisher=decrypt.co |date=March 2, 2022}}</ref> |
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== Filmography == |
== Filmography == |
Revision as of 06:00, 11 March 2022
Brock Pierce | |
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![]() Brock Pierce in 2018 | |
Born | Minnesota, U.S. | November 14, 1980
Citizenship | United States |
Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur Chairman of the Bitcoin Foundation Philanthropist Technologist Former child actor |
Years active | Acting: 1992–1997 Business: 1999–present |
Organization(s) | Bitcoin Foundation Integro Foundation United Council of Rising Nations Brock Pierce Foundation U.S. Marines Toys for Tots of New York and Puerto Rico Blockchain Capital Spacefund |
Known for | The Mighty Ducks, D2: The Mighty Ducks, First Kid, Bitcoin, Blockchain and cryptocurrency work |
Political party | Independent |
Spouse | Crystal Rose[1] |
Website | Campaign website |
Brock Jeffrey Pierce (born November 14, 1980) is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, futurist, 2020 Independent US Presidential Candidate and former actor known for his work as a pioneer in the cryptocurrency industry.[2][3][4] A leading figure in the cryptocurrency and virtual assets sectors, Pierce currently serves as the Chairman of the Bitcoin Foundation.[5][6] As a child actor, he starred in Disney films The Mighty Ducks (1992), D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994), and First Kid (1996). He ran as an independent candidate in the 2020 United States presidential election.[7] He is currently the Chairman of the Integro Foundation and the Brock Pierce Foundation and serves as the Vice Chair and spokesperson for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation of New York, Long Island and Puerto Rico.[8] In the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, Pierce became the first presidential candidate in U.S. history to receive a vote through an app on a personal mobile phone using blockchain technology, in Utah County using the Voatz app.[9]
Acting career
Pierce was born in Minnesota and appeared in commercials as a toddler.[10] His first major role was playing a young Gordon Bombay in The Mighty Ducks (1992). Pierce reprised the role in D2: The Mighty Ducks. He starred as Luke Davenport in First Kid (1996). Pierce had small roles in Little Big League (1994), Ripper Man (1995), Problem Child 3: Junior in Love (1995), Three Wishes (1995), Earth Minus Zero (1996), and The Ride (1997).[11]
Business career
Digital Entertainment Network
Pierce retired from acting at 17 and joined as a minor partner with Marc Collins-Rector and Chad Schackley in establishing Digital Entertainment Network (DEN), which succeeded in raising $88 million in venture capital.[12] DEN's goal was to deliver original episodic video content over the Internet aimed at niche audiences.[13] DEN was one of a crop of dot-com startups that focused on the creation and delivery of original video content online in the late 1990s[14] prior to the wide adoption of broadband internet access. Pierce produced its first show, a pilot for gay teenagers called Chad's World.[15] As an 18-year-old, Pierce was making $250,000 a year and held 1% of the company's shares.[16]
DEN was slated for a US$75 million IPO in October 1999, but the IPO was withdrawn in the wake of allegations of sexual assault against Collins-Rector. All three executives subsequently resigned. Layoffs followed in February 2000. While a new executive team led by former Capitol Records President Gary Gersh and former Microsoft executive Greg Carpenter tried to salvage the company and relaunch in May 2000, DEN filed for bankruptcy and shut down in June 2000.[17][18]
Burton v. Collins-Rector et al lawsuit
In 2000, three former DEN employees filed a lawsuit against the founder of DEN, and also named Pierce as a defendant, alleging that they provided the plaintiffs with drugs and pressured them for sex when Pierce and one of the plaintiffs were still teenagers.[19][20][21][22][23] Pierce, along with the other two DEN employees, fled the United States. They were arrested by Interpol in 2002 in Marbella, Spain. Pierce was released without being charged.[19]
The three plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed all charges against Pierce without receiving any compensation.[24] Court records show that Pierce paid $21,600 to one of the plaintiff's attorneys because said attorney refused to file the order of dismissal requested by his client until the attorney's expenses were reimbursed.[25] None of the accusations against Pierce has ever been corroborated, and the primary plaintiff has been convicted of fraud and has admitted to filing false lawsuits in other sexual abuse cases.[21][26][27][28] Allegations were repeated in the documentary An Open Secret about Pierce and convicted sex offender (and DEN co-founder) Marc Collins-Rector.[29]
Bitcoin and cryptocurrency
In 2013, Pierce joined brothers Bart and Bradford Stephens in founding venture capital firm Blockchain Capital (BCC) which was reported to have raised $85 million in two venture funds by October 2017.[30] Blockchain Capital raised a third fund using digital security offering on the blockchain, one of the first traded security tokens.[31][32]
Pierce worked with Mastercoin, a startup that raised capital via an initial coin offering (ICO) in 2013. According to Bloomberg, this “kicked off a worldwide ICO craze, with hundreds of startups raising billions of dollars”.[33]
In March 2014, Pierce and a group of investors filed an offer to purchase the assets of Mt Gox using a Cypriot entity called Sunlot Holdings Ltd. The month before, Mt Gox had shut down operations and filed for bankruptcy in Tokyo after announcing that it had lost 850,000 Bitcoin.[34][35]
Pierce was elected Director of the Bitcoin Foundation in May 2014.[23][36] Several members of the Bitcoin Foundation resigned over concerns about the directors.[37] The organization announced its insolvency in July 2015.[38]
In 2015, Pierce served as a technical consultant for an episode of Silicon Valley.[citation needed]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Brock_Pierce_at_the_SingularityU_The_Netherlands_Summit_2016_%2829033319263%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/170px-Brock_Pierce_at_the_SingularityU_The_Netherlands_Summit_2016_%2829033319263%29_%28cropped%29.jpg)
In a February 2018 issue of Forbes magazine Pierce was named in the "top 20 wealthiest people in crypto" with an estimated net worth between $700 million and $1.1 billion.[39]
Pierce was a co-founder of the cryptocurrency Tether with Reeve Collins and Craig Sellars in 2014.[40] Tether surpassed Bitcoin in trading volume with the highest daily and monthly trading volume of any cryptocurrency on the market in 2019.[41] Tether is a so-called stablecoin because it allegedly maintains $1 dollar in reserves for each tether issued.[41] In 2020, a court permitted the Attorney General of New York to pursue a claim that Bitfinex, an affiliated exchange, did not disclose the loss of commingled funds.[33] In an interview in July 2020, Pierce said his involvement in Tether ended in 2015 but described Tether as "one of the most important innovations in currency."[33]
Pierce was a co-founder of Block.one, which released EOS.IO software.[33] The ICO raised more than $4 billion, the largest in history.[33] By March 2018, Pierce's role at Block.one had changed to chief strategy officer and he resigned from the company that month to pursue community building.[22]
Internet Gaming Entertainment
In 2001, Pierce founded Internet Gaming Entertainment (IGE), a company that pioneered the MMORPG currency-selling services industry.[42] Between 2004 and 2005, IGE spent more than $25 million buying out seven smaller competitors, including four auction platforms and a number of fan and content sites.[43] In 2005, Pierce estimated that IGE accounted for about 50% of this online market in the U.S., which has about $500 million in annual volume.[43][44]
Pierce brought in Steve Bannon, formerly of Goldman Sachs and Breitbart News, to seek venture capital and a deal was made in February 2006 yielding $60 million of which Pierce took away $20 million for a minority stake. The next year the company facing a class-action lawsuit. With no assets, the company failed and Pierce was forced out.[45]
Pierce founded ZAM, a network of websites oriented around massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG), such as World of Warcraft, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Rift, EverQuest, etc., in 2003.[46] The ZAM.com network included gaming websites such as ZAM.com, Wowhead, Thottbot, Torhead, and D3DB. In March, 2012, Chinese internet and tech giant, Tencent, acquired ZAM.[47]
Titan Gaming/Playsino
In 2010, Titan Gaming recruited Pierce to sit on its board along with EA Executive Keith McCurdy.[48] Pierce joined other Southern California angel investors, including MP3.com's Michael Robertson, SOA Software's Eric Pulier and William Quigley, and Jim Armstrong of Clearstone Ventures.[49] Also that year, Titan Gaming purchased the rising online gaming network Xfire from Viacom.[50] In October 2011, after Xfire received over $4 million in fresh funding from Intel Capital, Titan Gaming and Xfire cut ties and went their own ways. Titan Gaming and Xfire now operate independently.[51] In late April 2012, Titan Gaming announced that it would be rebranded as Playsino to embark in a complete makeover, with Pierce as the new CEO and $1.5 million of new funding.[citation needed]
As of 2013, Pierce was managing director of the Clearstone Global Gaming Fund a board member of IMI Exchange (a remnant of the IGE restructuring), Xfire, Playsino (having been replaced as CEO in 2013), GoCoin, FGL, Spicy Horse Games, KnCMiner.cn and the Mastercoin Foundation. He was also a member investor of Bit Angels and an investor in BTC China.[52] IMI exchange was subsequently acquired by Moda Inc.[53]
Pierce has been a guest speaker at the Milken Global Conference,[54] Singularity University,[55] and Caltech.[52]
Real Estate
Passionate about preserving historical places and buildings of global significance, Pierce has acquired a number of historic properties in efforts of preserving their history for the present and future. In an article on Pierce, journalist Katerina Leroy notes that "It seems that Pierce is becoming known for his ability to not only take us into the future, but also into the past by preserving significant pieces of history as part of his legacy."[56]
In 2018, Pierce converted a former monastery in the Old City of San Juan, Puerto Rico into his headquarters.[57] “It’s the oldest monastery in the Americas, and it’s on the first road built by the Conquistadors, the Road of Christ," Pierce said in an interview. Pierce's motivation for converting the Monastery into his headquarters on the island is articulated in Clara Thiry's Master's Dissertation, in which she states that Pierce's first major projects in Puerto Rico were "predominantly for rebuilding the infrastructure, especially electricity" in the wake of the damage caused by hurricane Maria.[58] In addition to this, Pierce's work in Puerto Rico focused in large part on healing the damage caused by centuries of colonialism and centralized government control of the island.[58] As he states in an interview published by Thiry, his work in Puerto Rico grew out of the desire to create a decentralized utopian community of “global citizens” with the “common goal of helping boost the local economy.”[58]
In April, 2019, Pierce made history when he purchased a former underground Catholic Church, built in the 17th Century in Amsterdam, Netherlands using the world's "first-ever crypto-backed mortgage."[59][60]
During his independent run for US President in 2020, Pierce purchased NBA star Dwight Howard's Pierce School Loft in Washington, D.C.[61] Originally built in 1893, the Pierce School Lofts are located in a former schoolhouse named for US President Franklin Pierce.[62] The Pierce School Loft is currently in use as a meeting place for activists, national and local leaders and politicians to collaborate on creating a better the future for America and the world.[63]
In January, 2022, Pierce purchased the W Hotel on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, which shuttered in the aftermath of hurricane Maria. “Having watched it stay closed for years and seeing it on the market for a long time it seemed like the proper thing to do,” Pierce said in an interview.[64] Pierce's acquisition of the property is part of his broader focus on revitalizing the economy of Puerto Rico through creating real economic opportunities and growth for its citizens in addition to remediating its environment after decades of environmental degradation. Highlighting the key objectives and motivation behind the project in Vieques, Pierce stated: “Considering the damage, it will need repairs and restoration. The idea is about regenerative practices. We will attempt to innovate and do something new.”[65]
Philanthropy
Pierce founded the Brock Pierce Foundation and the Integro Foundation, a Puerto Rico based not-for-profit organization which provides philanthropic resources to Puerto Rico, the Caribbean Islands, and the indigenous people of the Americas. According to their website, the Integro Foundation works to empower "grassroots organizations to maximize positive change by offering grants that create a lasting ROI – return on impact."[66][67][68]
Having moved to Puerto Rico in 2017, Pierce focused on humanitarian work and philanthropy after witnessing the detrimental impact of Hurricane Maria on the island. Pierce founded the Integro Foundation in response to this crisis. Integro's philanthropic work is designed to revitalize "areas in critical need, empower humans, promote sustainability, and provide the needed resources to thrive."</ref>[68] The foundation "provides urgent relief during times of crisis, working with vetted local charities, organizations, and government agencies to deploy resources efficiently, with fully accountable donations."[69]
During the Covid-19 crisis in April, 2020, Pierce's Integro Foundation collaborated with Binance charity to raise $1 million for KN-95 masks to aid in Puerto Rico's fight to stop the spread of the virus.[70][71]
Pierce has worked with communities in the U.S. Northeast and Puerto Rico to help struggling families and children through supporting organizations such as the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. Pierce currently serves as the Vice Chair and spokesperson of the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation of New York, Long Island and Puerto Rico.[8] As Vice Chair, Pierce collaborates with veterans, volunteers, donors and local communities to provide families and children in need with gifts for Christmas and the holiday season.[8]
Pierce's philanthropic work in Puerto Rico is discussed in Clara Thiry's Master's dissertation, in which she details Pierce's first major philanthropic project on the Island. In her dissertation she writes that "The first projects that were set up by Pierce and others were predominantly for rebuilding the infrastructure, especially electricity...new projects popped up to educate local communities and bringing blockchain into the daily lives of the Puerto Ricans. One of the first comprehensive charity programs is Restart by Brock Pierce."[58] Drawing on an interview with Pierce, Thiry writes: "By organising a full week of activities on blockchain, cryptocurrencies and innovative technology, he wishes to create a decentralised community of “global citizens” with the “common goal of helping boost the local economy”.[58] During the initial Restart Week San Juan, Pierce established projects in collaboration with local charities and academic institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico.[58]
In late 2021, Pierce funded a new NYPD Gaming Trucks initiative to heal the divide between communities and police in New York City. As a veteran of the gaming and technology industries, Pierce worked closely with New York City councilmembers, politicians and law enforcement to launch two state-of-the-art NYPD community gaming trucks where at-risk youth and local police officers can come together to play videogames and build bridges. Commenting on the launch of this groundbreaking initiative, former City Councilman Robert Cornegy, Jr. said "It's about relax and release, creating a sanctuary and a safe place for our young people to be in," amidst "an escalated time of gun violence and gang violence."[72]
An advocate of sustainable development and protecting the environment, Pierce is a public advocate for Diatom DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization dedicated to overcoming the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation through protecting the ocean.[73] As a decentralized autonomous organization, Diatom DAO utilizes the technology and principles of blockchain to determine its organizational governance and structure. In an op-ed Pierce penned to promote Diatom DAO's environmental work, he writes: "As our planet’s critical life support systems are threatened by the interconnected problems of pollution, habitat loss, and climate change, we have a collective responsibility to create and implement the changes necessary to protect life and its future on our planet...As someone who believes that a billionaire is not someone who has a billion dollars but is someone who positively impacts the lives of a billion people, I am a proud supporter and advocate of Diatom’s pioneering mission to deploy decentralized, regenerative finance as an effective way to solve one of the greatest challenges we face collectively as a species."[74] Deploying blockchain technology and an NFT auction to raise funds to support ocean plastic removal efforts, Diatom DAO has helped remove an estimated 5,270,305 Kg of plastic from the ocean.[75]
Political career
2020 presidential campaign
On July 5, 2020, Pierce announced his candidacy for President of the United States in the 2020 election as an Independent. The campaign filed registration documents with the FEC on July 7.[76] Pierce based his campaign around his background as an entrepreneur,[7] and his running mate is Karla Ballard, a fellow entrepreneur.[77][78] Pierce gained ballot access in Oklahoma on July 15,[79] in Arkansas on August 12,[77] Colorado on August 19.[78] and was nominated by the New York Independence Party on August 24.[80] Pierce was endorsed by venture capitalist and Bitcoin advocate Tim Draper.[81] Pierce was also backed up by singer and entrepreneur Akon, who managed his presidential campaign as chief strategist.[82] Pierce received just 0.03% of the votes in the election.[83] On September 14, he announced that he would form a new party and run candidates in 2022.[84][85] Jesse Ventura, former Minnesota governor, mayor, actor, and professional wrestler, also endorsed Pierce.[86]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/President_Brock_2020_HQ_at_2307_Bwy_jeh.jpg/220px-President_Brock_2020_HQ_at_2307_Bwy_jeh.jpg)
Pierce proposed "America 2.0", with a government that embraces technology,[87] and believes technology is the biggest issue for the United States' future.[88] Pierce has said that he would institute a universal basic income,[89] which could be enabled by digital currencies.[90] He also supports a single-payer health-care system and the legalization of marijuana.[91] Stating that the war on drugs has failed, he advocates ending federal enforcement and to pardon and expunge all non-violent cannabis crimes.[92] Pierce has criticized the two-party system and has stated that he intends to start a major third party.[93]
The Free & Equal Elections Foundation hosted the Second Open Presidential Debate on October 8, 2020, in Denver, Colorado, with participation limited to candidates on the ballot in at least eight states.[94] Participants in the debate included Pierce alongside Howie Hawkins of the Green Party, Brian Carroll of the American Solidarity Party, Don Blankenship of the Constitution Party; and Gloria La Riva of the Party for Socialism & Liberation.[95]
In Casper, Wyoming, Pierce announced the Independent National Convention, to be held in Cheyenne, Wyoming on October 23–24, 2020. Pierce said the convention would include minor, third-party candidates to share their message.[96] Pierce invited independent candidate Kanye West to attend the convention along with five other confirmed independent candidates.[97] Pierce is the only independent candidate to appear on the Wyoming ballot.[98]
On October 13, 2020, Pierce became the first presidential candidate in U.S. history to receive a vote through an app on a personal mobile phone using blockchain technology, in Utah County using the Voatz app.[99]
He received the endorsement of the Independence Party of New York[100] and the Independent Party of Florida.[101]
2022 Senate campaign
In 2021, it became known that Pierce was considering a run for Senate in Vermont to replace retiring Democrat Patrick Leahy in 2022. Pierce filed a statement of organization with the FEC in November 2021 and later confirmed he was considering a run for Senate.[102]
United Council of Rising Nations
Pierce is the founder and co-chairman of the United Council of Rising Nations (Unicorn.org), a member association that "promotes technology, financial inclusion and equality across all countries, representing nations of all sizes and every sector of the economy."[103] The Council is "represented by diplomats and leaders from around the world, who strive to help governments adopt innovation-friendly policies that boost their economies."[104] According to their website, the United Council of Rising Nations is dedicated to the universal principle of "A shared earth." [105] Their stated mission "is to assist all nations in becoming part of an abundant global economy, including financial inclusion, regenerative resources and sustainable development practices in alignment with the United Nations."[106] Advocating the ideal of creating an open global economic and political system, the United Council "deploys global delegations of leaders, entrepreneurs and diplomats to nations actively seeking to advance their economies through technology," supporting governments that both enact and implement policies that drive innovation and the United Nations sustainable development goals.[107] A central pillar of the United Council's agenda is the principle "Together We Rise," which was also the campaign slogan of Pierce's US Presidential run in 2020.[108][109] As the Council's website states, a key objective of their global advocacy is assisting all nations in implementing and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.[110]
Leading United Council delegations around the world, Pierce has advised foreign leaders and dignitaries on sustainable development, blockchain technology, cryptocurrency and cryptoasset policy and regulation. As a representative of the United Council and the Bitcoin Foundation, Pierce led an international delegation to El Salvador in June, 2021, in order to advise the Salvadorian government on their formal adoption of Bitcoin as their national currency.[111] After El Salvador formally adopted Bitcoin as legal tender, Pierce hailed the move for its ability to drive financial inclusion and democratize the financial system. Speaking about El Salvador's adoption of Bitcoin at a future-of-finance event that was hosted by the Middle East Futures forum in October, 2021, Pierce stated: “Results are unbelievable … they managed to achieve what was my highest expectation. The data shows the courageous move has worked … the latest technologies or innovations can address the global problem of under- or un-banked populations.”[112]
Leading United Council delegations, Pierce has advised foreign leaders on technology and sustainable development in a number of nations around the world. Nations Pierce led delegations to include El Salvador, Panama, Ecuador, Guatemala, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Honduras, Morocco, Israel and Romania.[113][114][115][116][117][118]
Personal life
He is married to Crystal Rose, CEO of Sensay and co-chairman of the United Council of Rising Nations.[119] In 2017, he relocated to Puerto Rico along with other traders, becoming the leader of a group focused on building a utopia on the Island in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.[120] Citing his historic family roots in the Green Mountain state, Pierce later moved to Vermont. He currently resides in Vermont.[121]
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1992 | The Mighty Ducks | Gordon, age 10 | |
1994 | D2: The Mighty Ducks | Young Gordon | |
1994 | Little Big League | Sidney | |
1995 | Ripper Man | Kevin | |
1995 | Problem Child 3: Junior in Love | Duke | TV movie |
1995 | Three Wishes | Scott | |
1996 | First Kid | Luke Davenport | |
1996 | Earth Minus Zero | Joey Heller | |
1997 | Two Small Voices | Brad | TV movie |
1997 | The Ride | Danny O'Neil | |
1997 | Legend of the Lost Tomb | John Robie | TV movie |
2014 | An Open Secret | Himself | Documentary; archive footage |
2015 | Play Money | Himself | Documentary |
2020 | Landfall | Himself | Documentary |
References
- ^ "Brock Pierce: The Hippie King of Cryptocurrency". July 26, 2018.
- ^ Leroy, Katerina (August 20, 2021). "Brock Pierce: An American Blockchain Legend and Multitalent". Lofficiel Monaco. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
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{{cite web}}
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