Pro-XRP Attorney Says Hinman Docs Are Coming, Dispels Settlement Rumors

Deaton believes Hinman’s docs will be made public despite recent settlement rumors. 

CryptoLaw founder attorney John E. Deaton has joined XRP community members to comment on the joint request filed by the SEC and Ripple regarding the filing of public, redacted versions of summary judgment materials and accompanying exhibits, including the drafts of William Hinman’s 2018 speech. 

For context, the parties filed a joint letter yesterday asking for a one-week extension to enable them to file public, redacted versions of the cross-motion for summary judgment and other exhibits like Hinman’s documents. 

Although the request covers the cross-motion for summary judgment, XRP community members were more concerned about the drafts of Hinman’s speech. 

Defense lawyer and former federal prosecutor James K. Filan previously disclosed that Hinman’s docs would be released publicly on June 6, 2023. However, the request for an extension has now shifted the deadline to June 13, 2023. 

Deaton Doesn’t Think a Settlement Is Coming 

Based on the development, many XRP community members asserted that the delay suggests that both SEC and Ripple are planning to discuss the terms of a settlement. 

However, attorney Deaton, who has closely followed the lawsuit between the SEC and Ripple, does not think Hinman’s documents would give birth to a settlement. 

“If the Hinman emails were going to lead to a settlement, it would’ve been before they turned them over to Ripple,” said Deaton. 

According to Deaton, the SEC had already accepted the fact that the drafts of Hinman’s speech would eventually be made public. He reminded XRP enthusiasts that Forbes Contributor Roslyn Layton previously intervened in the case to enable public access to Hinman’s documents. 

Furthermore, Judge Analisa Torres also stated that “her motion was moot because the documents must be made public.” 

The pro-XRP lawyer asserted that the SEC only filed a joint request for a one-week extension because many documents need to be redacted in accordance with Judge Torres’ sealing order. He expressed confidence that the documents are coming and will be made public. 

Deaton Says He’ll Celebrate “Being Wrong”

However, the prominent cryptocurrency advocate hopes he is wrong, and the delay in releasing Hinman’s docs leads to a settlement. Deaton said he would celebrate “being wrong.” 

“I know many people hope I’m wrong b/c they want this over. I’ve been wrong before, and I hope I’m wrong now. Hell, I’ll jump up and celebrate being wrong. But Gensler is moving forward full steam. How can he agree #XRP is not a security but sue Coinbase claiming the others are?” said Deaton.