Ben Armstrong, widely known online as “BitBoy,” is a U.S. crypto media personality who rose to prominence during the 2020–2021 bull market through the BitBoy Crypto brand. His content blended market commentary, token coverage, and influencer-style promotions. Armstrong’s profile in the crypto ecosystem has also been shaped by repeated controversies involving marketing practices, internal disputes, and legal issues, including arrests and ongoing litigation as of 2025.
Overview
Armstrong became one of the best-known retail-facing crypto commentators on YouTube and social media, using BitBoy Crypto and related shows to cover Bitcoin, altcoins, and industry narratives. As the influencer market matured and regulators increased scrutiny of token promotion, Armstrong’s business model and public conduct became frequent topics of debate across the sector.
History and Background
Armstrong built an audience through high-frequency crypto content and a personality-driven format, including news recaps, opinion segments, and token-focused videos. Over time, BitBoy Crypto expanded beyond a single channel into a broader media operation that included additional shows and contributors.
BitBoy Crypto and Media Operations
The BitBoy Crypto brand operated as a crypto media outlet with strong distribution on YouTube and social platforms. CryptoSlate reported that Armstrong’s relationship with the company behind the brand deteriorated in 2023 amid public claims of internal conflict and leadership disputes. In late August 2023, CryptoSlate reported on Armstrong’s reported exit from Hit Network and related brands, followed by an official statement from the BitBoy account describing alleged “substance abuse” and harm to employees and the community.
Notable Milestones
- 2020–2021: Audience growth during the bull market, as influencer-led crypto content became a primary discovery channel for many retail participants.
- 2022–2023: Increased public scrutiny over influencer promotions and conflicts with other creators and investigators.
- August 2023: Public reporting of Armstrong’s departure from the BitBoy Crypto media operation.
- September 2023: Arrest during a livestream incident covered by CryptoSlate.
- 2025: Multiple reported arrests and an active defamation lawsuit involving Kevin O’Leary.
Legal Issues and Recent Developments
Armstrong’s most notable recent developments have involved law enforcement and court proceedings. CryptoSlate reported that on September 26, 2023, Armstrong was arrested during a livestream outside a private residence after neighbors called police about confrontational behavior. The report noted that officers questioned him about a firearm in his vehicle, and Armstrong stated it was “on the back seat.”
In 2025, Armstrong’s legal issues expanded beyond the 2023 incident. Reporting in mid-2025 described an arrest in Georgia on harassment-related charges and noted that he had previously been jailed earlier in the year in connection with emails allegedly sent to a Georgia judge. In the same period, investor and television personality Kevin O’Leary filed a defamation lawsuit accusing Armstrong of spreading false claims and seeking damages. Public reporting indicated the case remained active in federal court in Florida through 2025.
Use Cases and Market Position
Armstrong’s influence is best understood through the role of “crypto influencer media” in retail markets. At its peak, BitBoy Crypto content functioned as an onramp for new users, with exposure to narratives, tokens, and trading concepts. The same distribution model has been criticized across the industry because it can blur editorial commentary and paid promotion, and because audiences may treat influencer opinions as investment guidance.
Risks and Considerations
Armstrong’s public profile has repeatedly intersected with allegations and disputes tied to token promotion, reputational conflicts, and personal conduct. For readers evaluating influencer-driven information sources, several risks are commonly highlighted in this category of crypto media:
- Marketing incentives: Affiliate links, sponsorships, and token allocations can create conflicts of interest, even when disclosed.
- Volatility and audience impact: Large creators can influence short-term sentiment in illiquid tokens and memecoins.
- Operational and governance disputes: Internal conflicts can disrupt content production and community messaging.
- Legal exposure: Defamation claims and arrests can materially affect a creator’s platform continuity and credibility.
