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Bitcoin 'Creator' Reneges On Promise To Provide More Proof, Says He's Sorry (bbc.com)

Posted by msmash on from the he's-sorry,-guys dept.

Craig Wright, the Australian computer scientist who claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto -- the creator of bitcoin -- has backtracked on a pledge to provide more proof of his earlier claims. Wright says that he lacks the courage to face allegations. On May 1, Wright claimed that he was the creator of bitcoin, offering digital signature, signed using a private key that was thought to be held by Nakamoto. We later learned that the "proof" Wright offered was simply copied from an older transaction. At the time, Wright assured that he will be moving early bitcoins as "extraordinary evidence". On Thursday, Wright wrote in a blog post that he is "sorry," and that he cannot do this. He writes: I believed that I could do this. I believed that I could put the years of anonymity and hiding behind me. But, as the events of this week unfolded and I prepared to publish the proof of access to the earliest keys, I broke. I do not have the courage. I cannot. When the rumors began, my qualifications and character were attacked. When those allegations were proven false, new allegations have already begun. I know now that I am not strong enough for this. I know that this weakness will cause great damage to those that have supported me, and particularly to Jon Matonis and Gavin Andresen. I can only hope that their honour and credibility is not irreparably tainted by my actions. They were not deceived, but I know that the world will never believe that now. I can only say I'm sorry.

8 of 133 comments (clear)

  1. "No, Timmy, say it right." by Pseudonymous+Powers · · Score: 5, Insightful

    He didn't say he was sorry for lying about being Satoshi. He said he's sorry that everybody is being a bunch of dicks to him, by asking him to provide ordinary proof for his extraordinary claim.

    1. Re:"No, Timmy, say it right." by jdavidb · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Basically he said that because we didn't trust him, he is too hurt and emotional to do what Charlie Lee (creator of Litecoin) did the other day. He can't do that and needs a therapist, or a good chocolate bar, or something.

      In other words, he was lying all along. This is what your spouse does when you catch them lying and in an affair: instead of stopping it and making it right and apologizing, they whine that they are too hurt and emotional because of your allegations. It's what children do when you catch them lying. It's what all liars do.

      --
      Secession is the right of all sentient beings.
    2. Re: "No, Timmy, say it right." by jdavidb · · Score: 4, Insightful

      No, it's not legit. There wouldn't be any attacks if he'd just provide simple proof. Liars do this frequently - instead of proving themselves trustworthy, they whine at you for not trusting them without proof. Instead of having empathy for the victims they are hurting, they tell everybody that they are hurt for not being given baseless trust.

      --
      Secession is the right of all sentient beings.
    3. Re:"No, Timmy, say it right." by arth1 · · Score: 1, Insightful

      I'm more worried about his writing the note much like a suicide letter, even ending it with "Goobye".

      Any aussie friends of his here that can check up on him and make sure he's okay?

  2. That makes no sense... by Junta · · Score: 3, Insightful

    He is saying he is *capable* but unwilling to do that because he can't leave the anonymity behind?

    If he couldn't leave the anonymity behind, we would have backtracked on his whole claim. Instead he doubles down that he is truthful, but won't prove it to keep anonymity...... I'm truly baffled at who he thinks he's fooling.

    --
    XML is like violence. If it doesn't solve the problem, use more.
  3. Reminds me of the free energy guys by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    He sounds just like the free energy people who claims they have a magic working device. But, they keep coming up with lame excuses why they just can't provide the proof of it despite how easy it would be to do so.

  4. Errr... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    It would be easier and less stressful to provide proof then writing that post and running away...

    He's either mentally ill or a fraudster. Or both.

  5. Re:Classic by butzwonker · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I've read that it's the #1 indicator of guilt in police interrogations. An accused denies everything for hours, and just when he leaves the room turns around and says something like "I'm sorry I couldn't help you" to the officer.