In a recent turn of events, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson finds himself embroiled in a media spat with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. The dispute revolves around an alleged demand by Johnson for Bitcoin or a million-dollar fee for an interview, a claim vehemently denied by the Prime Minister’s team. Carlson, known for his influence in Right-wing US media, accused Johnson of requesting the payment for a discussion about Ukraine.
Carlson’s Accusation And Johnson’s Response
Tucker Carlson, in a recent interview with Blaze TV, claimed that Johnson’s team informed him of the interview’s possibility but attached a hefty price tag. According to Carlson, the Prime Minister demanded a million US dollars, gold, or Bitcoin.
Speaking to Blaze TV, a right-wing news channel, Carlson said:
“Finally one of his advisers gets back to me and says, ‘He will talk to you, but it’s going to cost you a million dollars.’”
Screenshot of Tucker Carlson interview on BlazeTV.
JUST IN: Tucker Carlson says former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked for $1 million in US dollars, gold, or #Bitcoin for an interview. pic.twitter.com/HY1USCudKJ
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 20, 2024
The Telegraph quoted Carlson as saying:
“He wants a million dollars, in US dollars, gold or bitcoin – this just happened yesterday, or two days ago. Then he will talk to you about Ukraine – he will explain his position on Ukraine.”
Johnson’s team swiftly dismissed these allegations, asserting that it was Carlson who made the offer and that Johnson had initially accepted, on the condition that the funds would go directly to Ukrainian veterans’ charities. The interview, however, never took place, with Johnson citing the tragic death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny as a reason.
Bitcoin: The Crypto’s Unlikely Role In Media Drama
In an unexpected twist, the cryptocurrency has found its way into this media drama. Carlson, in detailing the alleged interview offer, specified that Johnson had expressed a preference for a million dollars in BTC.
BTCUSD trading at $51,770 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView.com
The reasons behind this preference remain unclear, but the mention of Bitcoin adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding story. Johnson’s team has not commented on this specific detail, leaving room for speculation about the role and significance of the crypto in the proposed interview.
The leading digital asset that has witnessed remarkable price growth over the past decade, has become a topic of interest in financial circles worldwide. Johnson, aware of Bitcoin’s outstanding performance, is said to believe in its continued success.
This belief is rooted in Bitcoin’s history of substantial value increase, from a mere $0.003 in 2010 to about $69,000 in 2021. The recent approval of 11 spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) further solidifies the crypto asset’s status as a premier asset.
The Intersection Of Politics And Cryptocurrency
The convergence of politics and cryptocurrency in this narrative adds a layer of complexity to the already controversial exchange between Johnson and Carlson. The use of Bitcoin as a proposed payment method raises questions about the growing influence and acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream transactions.
As the political discourse intertwines with the financial landscape, the story underscores the evolving nature of media, politics, and the role of emerging technologies like Bitcoin in shaping these dynamics.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView