Newsweek said it is standing by the story on Bitcoin Founder Satoshi Nakamoto that it published yesterday, The Verge reported.
The scoop, done by reporter Leah McGrath Goodman, which also became the magazine's cover story, created a huge buzz in the online and offline worlds. In that report, Goodman said that the man who goes by the name of Dorian Nakamoto was actually the reclusive creator of the digital currency known as the Bitcoin. However, in an interview with AP, Nakamoto refuted the story and said that he was misinterpreted. According to Nakamoto, he had not even heard of Bitcoin before he was contacted for the interview, the report said.
Despite Nakamoto's rebuttal and the criticism that came with the piece, Newsweek remained steadfast and said in a statement, "Ms. Goodman's research was conducted under the same high editorial and ethical standards that have guided Newsweek for more than 80 years. Newsweek stands strongly behind Ms. Goodman and her article. Ms. Goodman's reporting was motivated by a search for the truth surrounding a major business story, absent any other agenda. The facts as reported point toward Mr. Nakamoto's role in the founding of Bitcoin."
Meanwhile, Bitcoin enthusiasts are attempting to get in touch with Nakamoto to give him a token for being thrust into the limelight. So far, 18 bitcoins, valued at more than $11,000 in today's prices, were already sent to an address that is managed by a Bitcoin subreddit member who will try to give them to Nakamoto by the end of March, the report said.
The Bitcoin community rationalized their gift by saying, "If this person is Satoshi, then the funds are a small 'thanks' and won't make much of a difference. However, if this person is not Satoshi, then these funds will serve as a 'sorry for what happened to you,' help with medical bills his family is facing, any legal bills they may incur, or anything else."
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