Heir to Canadian Fortune Sues Former Friend Over Failed Crypto Investment
The heir to one of Canada’s wealthiest dynasties is embroiled in a legal battle with her former best friend, who has fallen on hard times and is currently working as an Uber driver. The lawsuit stems from a disastrous cryptocurrency investment reportedly influenced by the advice of psychics, which resulted in an $80 million loss. Taylor Thomson, the 66-year-old daughter of the billionaire Thomson family, is taking action against Ashley Richardson, a 47-year-old California mother whose financial status drastically declined following the investment.
From Friendship to Fallout
Thomson and Richardson’s friendship, which began in 2009 at a Malibu house party, enjoyed more than a decade of closeness and shared experiences in Los Angeles. However, their relationship soured in 2022 after both women acted on guidance from their psychic advisors, leading them to invest in a cryptocurrency that ultimately collapsed within a year. Thomson claims that Richardson engaged in numerous high-risk trades without her knowledge and alleged that Richardson was exploiting her wealth. Conversely, Richardson refuted these claims, arguing that it was Thomson’s actions that led to their friendship’s demise, stating in a message, “Because of you I have lost everything, and you decided to sue the person who had nothing left to lose.”
Friendship and Distrust Under Scrutiny
During their time as close companions, Richardson was often a source of support for Thomson, even assisting in the care of her chickens. However, sources suggest that Thomson, whose family is recognized as one of the world’s wealthiest, struggled with trust and could be confrontational when it came to her finances. In the past, she employed a private investigator with a criminal record to surveil individuals she suspected of ulterior motives, highlighting her cautious nature in matters of trust and money.
Accusations and Counterclaims
Despite the turmoil, Richardson expressed her loyalty to Thomson and attempted to shield her from those she perceived as opportunists. However, the narrative shifted after their failed cryptocurrency venture, with Richardson being labeled a “taker” by Thomson’s representatives. A spokesperson for Thomson accused Richardson of leveraging their story to the media in hopes of extracting more money, suggesting that she had previously threatened to do so.
Psycho-Spiritual Investment Decisions
After the pandemic, Richardson became influenced by celebrity psychic Michelle Whitedove, who encouraged her to invest in the Persistence cryptocurrency. Richardson introduced the idea to Thomson, who, interested in the potential, sought insights from her own psychic advisor, Robert Sabella. According to representatives for Thomson, while she valued Sabella’s advice, she did not rely solely on it for major financial decisions.
Financial Fallout and Legal Action
After both women invested significantly in Persistence, with Thomson contributing over $40 million and Richardson using her savings, their fortunes took a turn for the worse following the cryptocurrency market crash in 2022. Thomson felt deceived and went on to hire legal counsel to pursue her losses, resulting in a lawsuit against both Richardson and the creators of Persistence, seeking a minimum of $25 million. While Thomson reached a settlement with Persistence, her dispute with Richardson continues in court.
Dispute Over Trading Practices
According to Bradley Dizik, president of a consulting firm, Richardson executed a staggering 450,000 trades with Thomson’s funds during the first half of 2022, many of which were unauthorized and extremely risky. He asserts that Thomson’s losses have surpassed $80 million due to Richardson’s actions.
Richardson’s Defense and Economic Struggles
In response to the allegations, Richardson maintains that she never conducted trades without Thomson’s consent and aimed to mitigate losses. Currently, she faces financial hardships as she drives for Uber, seeks food assistance, and tackles the legal challenges posed by the lawsuit. She has also initiated a countersuit for $10 million, claiming defamation by Thomson.
Final Messages and Escalating Tensions
As tensions escalated, one of the last messages exchanged between the two friends revealed Richardson’s distress, where she insulted Thomson and expressed feelings of devastation. The legal battle continues to unfold as both women navigate the complexities of their shattered friendship and substantial financial losses.
