Steve Aoki Sued Over Paid Promotion of Worthless NFTs

• Steve Aoki and DraftKings co-founder Matthew Kalish named in Miami class-action over MetaZoo NFTs.
• Plaintiff says influencers failed to disclose paid promotions; losses alleged in the tens of millions.
• MetaZoo NFTs once sold for high prices; plaintiff claims the tokens are now worthless.
• Aoki was an equity partner in MetaZoo and has not publicly commented on the suit.

DJ Steve Aoki, DraftKings Co-Founder Sued Over NFTs

A class-action lawsuit filed in Miami accuses DJ Steve Aoki and DraftKings co-founder Matthew Kalish of promoting MetaZoo non-fungible tokens (NFTs) without disclosing they were paid to do so. The suit, led by plaintiff Evan Berger, claims buyers who relied on influencer promotions have suffered losses totaling “tens of millions” of dollars.

Allegations: Paid Promotion, No Disclosure

According to reporting by Law.com, the complaint says Aoki and Kalish used their social media influence to push MetaZoo NFTs while failing to tell followers they were compensated. Plaintiffs say that lack of disclosure violated rules meant to protect consumers and influenced purchases of digital tokens that later collapsed in value.

What Was Metazoo?

MetaZoo Games LLC began as a tabletop collectible-card company and expanded into skateboards, apparel, and NFTs. At the market’s peak, a full set of Metazoo Coin NFTs reportedly sold for 20 Ethereum — roughly $80,000 at the time. Berger says he purchased at least 26 NFTs, holding them in expectation their value would rise; he now says the tokens have become worthless.

Aoki’s Ties to MetaZoo

Steve Aoki became an equity partner in MetaZoo in 2021 and collaborated on a collectible physical card series tied to his HiROQUEST: Genesis album in 2022. Aoki previously told media that he had earned significant income from NFTs, once claiming he’d made more from NFTs than from a decade of music advances. He has not publicly commented on the current lawsuit.

Plaintiff Claims and Industry Context

Berger, the named plaintiff, told Law.com that there are growing numbers of class actions against influencers and companies linked to promotional campaigns for digital assets. He said influencers must understand disclosure rules because they are legal requirements, not suggestions.

Where Things Stand

The suit is ongoing. The complaint targets Aoki and Kalish for alleged undisclosed paid endorsements, and it seeks relief for investors who claim they were misled into buying MetaZoo NFTs that later lost value.

Related social post: Steve Aoki Instagram clarification (archived link)

This case highlights continuing legal and regulatory scrutiny around influencers and non-fungible tokens as a market that saw rapid growth and sharp declines. Fans and investors interested in NFTs should watch for updates as the lawsuit proceeds through the courts.

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