TLDR
- Ripple CTO David Schwartz reacted to SEC officials’ post-lawsuit remarks with a Monty Python GIF.
- The long-running legal battle between Ripple and the SEC officially ended last week.
- SEC Chair Paul Atkins and Commissioner Hester Peirce said they will now focus on clear crypto regulations.
- XRP price dropped by 4% despite the positive outcome of the lawsuit.
- Stuart Alderoty from Ripple thanked Paul Atkins for supporting clear market rules.
The long-standing legal dispute between Ripple (XRP) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission officially ended last week. The resolution came after both parties filed a joint dismissal of their appeals. Ripple CTO David Schwartz has now publicly reacted to statements made by SEC officials.
Ripple CTO Uses British Comedy Sketch in Response
Ripple CTO David Schwartz posted a GIF from Sam Peckinpah’s “Salad Days,” a sketch from “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” The post referenced the absurd escalation in the sketch, where cheerful scenes quickly turn chaotic. Schwartz appeared to use the scene to convey humor and finality after the prolonged legal fight.
He shared the GIF shortly after SEC officials issued their post-lawsuit remarks. SEC Chair Paul Atkins and Commissioner Hester Peirce stated the agency would now focus on clear crypto regulations. The Ripple CTO’s post followed this, signaling a lighter tone despite years of legal uncertainty.
https://t.co/3sDg32TWMJ pic.twitter.com/k9FcRC9tlm
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) August 12, 2025
The sketch choice drew attention due to its over-the-top and ironic nature. In the original scene, an innocent game turns unexpectedly violent. The Ripple CTO’s post seemed to subtly highlight how quickly circumstances can change.
SEC Officials Signal New Regulatory Focus
Following the settlement, Paul Atkins said the SEC can now “concentrate on creating proper regulation for the XRP price.” Hester Peirce echoed this view, calling for better market clarity. Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s chief legal officer, thanked Atkins for supporting “clear rules of the road.”
The Ripple CTO’s reaction came as the XRP market experienced a downturn. Despite the lawsuit’s resolution, XRP fell by 4%, underperforming other major altcoins. The decline surprised some traders who had anticipated continued gains.
An X user questioned, “Why did the price go down then? Isn’t that bizarre and the opposite of logic?” Analysts noted the post-lawsuit rally had already run its course. The Ripple CTO’s post avoided market commentary, keeping focus on the legal closure.
XRP Price Movement After Settlement
XRP surged after the case’s resolution, but the rally quickly faded. At press time, XRP price traded at $3.15, according to CoinGecko. The Ripple CTO remained focused on marking the end of the dispute rather than price action.
The legal resolution allowed Ripple to continue operating in the U.S. and abroad. The settlement included a significant civil penalty but left its business intact. The Ripple CTO’s public reaction reflected relief after years of uncertainty.