In a bold statement that merged art, memes, and the ever-controversial cryptocurrency culture, Justin Sun, founder of TRON, peeled off a banana duct-taped to a wall and ate it during a press conference at The Peninsula Hong Kong. The banana wasn’t an ordinary piece of fruit but a central element of “Comedian,” a conceptual artwork by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, which Sun purchased for a staggering $6.2 million just a week prior.

“It tastes much better than other bananas. Indeed, quite good,” Sun remarked to reporters as he enjoyed the fruit in one of Hong Kong's most luxurious hotels, located in the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district. The act echoed the artwork’s history of provocative performances—when it debuted at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019, another artist famously removed the banana from the wall and ate it, sparking a global debate about the value and meaning of art.

“Comedian” quickly became a cultural phenomenon at its debut, as festival attendees debated whether the taped banana was a joke, an incisive critique of modern art, or simply a commentary on the eccentricities of the art market. Despite its simplicity, the piece garnered massive attention, with three editions selling for up to $150,000 each. Sun’s recent acquisition, however, came not with a physical banana but a certificate of authenticity, giving him the right to tape any banana to a wall and call it “Comedian.”

Explaining his actions, Sun said the piece “represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community.” True to his statement, Sun’s consumption of the banana transformed the event into a spectacle that underscored the interplay between pop culture and high art. The fruit he ate, purchased locally in Hong Kong, was symbolic rather than the original.

Beyond the art world, Sun has been making waves in the cryptocurrency space. Days after his $6.2 million art purchase, he announced a $30 million investment in World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency venture launched by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The move aligns with Sun’s stated mission to “lead innovation” while supporting Trump’s slogan to “make America great again.” Following the investment, Sun was named an advisor to the venture.

While Sun’s high-profile moves garner headlines, his controversies are equally notable. Last year, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged him with fraud and other violations of securities laws. Sun responded by denying the allegations, stating they “lack merit.”

Whether seen as a provocative artist, a daring entrepreneur, or a polarizing figure, Sun continues to blur the lines between art, technology, and spectacle—cementing his reputation as a disruptor in multiple domains.