Wealthy Heiress Sues Former Friend Over Failed Crypto Investment
In a dramatic turn of events, the heir to one of Canada’s richest families is taking legal action against her former close friend, who has fallen on hard times and is now working as an Uber driver. The lawsuit stems from a cryptocurrency investment that, under the guidance of two psychics, reportedly resulted in a staggering loss of $80 million. Taylor Thomson, the 66-year-old daughter of the billionaire Thomson family, claims that her friend Ashley Richardson, aged 47, engaged in risky trading without her knowledge, using Thomson’s wealth for her own gain, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Friendship Deteriorates Amid Financial Ruin
Thomson and Richardson, who first bonded at a Malibu house party in 2009, enjoyed a close friendship while living in Los Angeles. However, their relationship soured in 2022 when their investments in a specific crypto token, recommended by their psychic advisors, collapsed within a year. Thomson accuses Richardson of making numerous unauthorized trades, while Richardson has responded by blaming Thomson for the fallout, claiming she has lost everything and feels unfairly targeted. In a poignant message to Thomson, she expressed her heartbreak over the situation, stating, “Because of you, I have lost everything, and you decided to sue the person who had nothing left to lose.”
Past Support Turns to Legal Conflict
During their more than a decade-long friendship, Richardson was a staunch supporter of Thomson, even assisting her in relocating her cherished chickens from Bel Air to Hollywood. Sources indicate that Thomson, who belongs to one of the world’s wealthiest families, has historically struggled to trust others and has displayed aggressive behavior towards those she suspects of encroaching on her wealth. In one instance, she hired a convicted private investigator to surveil a former nanny during a custody dispute, revealing her deep-seated mistrust.
Allegations of Exploitation and Betrayal
Despite Thomson’s alleged vindictiveness, Richardson claimed she was there to shield Thomson from individuals she referred to as “Takers,” who were seen as threats to the heiress’s fortune. However, following their failed crypto investment, Richardson found herself labeled as one of these “Takers.” A spokesperson for Thomson accused Richardson of attempting to leverage her claims for financial gain, stating that she has threatened to exploit the media for monetary compensation.
Investment Gone Awry
After the pandemic, Richardson became engrossed in the suggestions of celebrity psychic Michelle Whitedove, who urged her followers to invest in the Persistence crypto token. Enthralled, Richardson introduced the idea to Thomson, who sought counsel from her own psychic, Robert Sabella. Although Thomson typically relied on her own judgment, she began heavily investing in the Persistence token, ultimately pouring in more than $40 million. Richardson also allocated much of her savings to the investment, but claims she had to temper Thomson’s enthusiasm when she proposed investing an additional $60 million after initial success.
Legal Battles Following Market Collapse
As the cryptocurrency market plummeted in 2022, both women faced devastating losses—Richardson lost everything, while Thomson felt a sense of betrayal and sought legal recourse. In 2023, Thomson initiated lawsuits against both Richardson and the Persistence token, demanding at least $25 million due to their alleged roles in her financial downfall. While a settlement was reached with Persistence, Richardson continues to contest Thomson in court.
Claims of Unauthorized Trading
Bradley Dizik, president of a consulting firm, reported that Richardson executed around 450,000 trades using Thomson’s funds in the first half of 2022, with many of these trades being unauthorized and excessively risky. These actions allegedly led to Thomson’s reported losses exceeding $80 million.
Richardson’s Counterclaims and Struggles
Richardson vehemently denies the accusations, maintaining that she never conducted a trade without Thomson’s consent and always aimed to minimize losses. Now facing financial hardship, she has resorted to driving for Uber and applying for food assistance while juggling the legal challenges stemming from both the crypto debacle and Thomson’s lawsuit. In a twist, Richardson has filed a countersuit for $10 million, claiming defamation due to Thomson’s allegations.
Final Messages Reveal Strain
The tension between the two former friends culminated in a series of heated text exchanges, where Richardson, reportedly struggling with personal issues, confronted Thomson with harsh words. In one of their last communications, she accused Thomson of being a “rich motherf—ing sociopathic b—,” expressing her despair over the situation, stating, “Send your f—ing goons to take my life. Please, you have destroyed me.”
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