Key Takeaways:
- Janice McAfee launched a memecoin in honor of her late husband, John McAfee, claiming it upholds his mission of digital freedom, despite skepticism over its legitimacy.
- Concerns arose as 90% of the token’s 100 million supply is distributed across numerous wallets, raising red flags about potential manipulation.
- Prominent crypto figures, including Charles Hoskinson, criticized the project, calling it a dubious attempt at leveraging McAfee’s legacy.
Janice McAfee, widow of late tech mogul John McAfee, has launched a new memecoin in his honor, stirring mixed reactions within the crypto community.
Announced via McAfee’s former X (formerly Twitter) account on January 23, the post teased, “You didn’t think I’d miss this cycle, did you?” McAfee, a fervent cryptocurrency advocate, was known for his outspoken views on Bitcoin and challenging government control over finance.
Ever since John's untimely death, I have been looking for ways to honour the genius he was and build on the legacy he left behind.
— Janice Elizabeth McAfee (@theemrsmcafee) January 23, 2025
I am super excited to announce that I have taken creative control of a product that will expand John's legacy. It encompasses his core beliefs of… pic.twitter.com/P7Ir932b3E
The memecoin’s launch quickly attracted attention but also skepticism.
Reports revealed that 90% of the token’s 100 million supply had been distributed across multiple wallets, leaving limited availability in trading pools.
This led to concerns over potential manipulation. Prominent crypto figures, including Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson, questioned the project’s legitimacy, with Hoskinson sarcastically calling it a fitting tribute to McAfee’s unpredictable persona.
John being resurrected as a dubious AI crypto scam us the most John McAfee thing possible. It's going to develop a digital drug habit within a week and then start a metaverse called New Belize before escaping to Europe.
— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) January 23, 2025
The memecoin’s website leans into McAfee’s rebellious image, presenting it as part of a fictional “John McAfee AI Incarnate” meant to fight corporate control, surveillance, and digital oppression.
Described as a tool for “retaliation,” the project claims to continue McAfee’s mission for digital freedom.
While some view the token as a homage to McAfee’s legacy, others see it as exploiting his name.
The launch has already generated significant buzz and controversy.