Sam Bankman-Fried’s Vegan Diet Struggles in Prison

Concerns Over Vegan Diet in Prison

Maintaining a vegan diet in prison can be challenging, and Sam Bankman-Fried is experiencing this firsthand. Carmine Simpson, an ex-NYPD officer incarcerated alongside Bankman-Fried, recently penned a letter to US District Judge Lewis Kaplan, advocating for leniency in Bankman-Fried’s sentencing. Despite facing seven counts of fraud and conspiracy, Bankman-Fried remains committed to his vegan lifestyle, even amidst unappetizing meals consisting mostly of undercooked rice, unappealing beans, and wilted lettuce, as revealed by Simpson’s letter.

Simpson’s Testimony and Advocacy

Simpson initially doubted Bankman-Fried’s altruistic motivations but later changed his perspective after spending time with him. He commended Bankman-Fried’s dedication to philanthropy, acknowledging him as one of the most selfless individuals he’s encountered. Simpson emphasized the positive impact Bankman-Fried could make outside of prison, echoing sentiments shared by others advocating for his release.

Challenges and Skepticism

Bankman-Fried’s struggles with adhering to a vegan diet while incarcerated are not new. In a previous stint in a Bahamian jail in 2022, he reportedly relied on peanut butter for sustenance. However, despite his commitment to veganism, Simpson expressed skepticism regarding the weight of his letter to Judge Kaplan, citing his own pending criminal charges.

Legal Battles and Support

Simpson faces allegations of child pornography production, complicating the reception of his plea for Bankman-Fried. Meanwhile, Bankman-Fried’s legal team, led by attorney Marc Mukasey, has vehemently opposed the prospect of a 100-year prison sentence, advocating instead for a more lenient term of 6.5 years. Additionally, Bankman-Fried’s parents, Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried, have also implored Judge Kaplan for leniency, expressing profound anguish over their son’s predicament.

Concerns and Speculation

Recently, a photo purportedly depicting Bankman-Fried in prison surfaced on social media, showing him appearing disheveled and noticeably thinner. While representatives for Bankman-Fried declined to comment on the matter, the image has sparked further concern about his well-being during his incarceration. As the sentencing date approaches, the fate of Sam Bankman-Fried remains uncertain, with both his legal team and supporters advocating for a more compassionate outcome.