Is there proof? This kind of FUD is typical for the cryptosphere.
Do you realize the fake announcement resulted in 100 millions dollars growth in terms of Marketcap.
Do you really think none of them took advantage of this ? FluffyPalmface himself probably did.
Well, I actually think he wanted to make a point. Don't find it that hard to believe. There is no reason believe that the Monero team are all gangsters.
I don't think the devs are gangsters or thieves but FP had an opportunity to act like a grown up and instead he played the cyber punk role. And whether he believes it or not, he does represent the coin, the other devs and those of us who have supported Monero since the beginning. And no amount of saying "well, I told you not to buy it" makes up for this act of stupidity.
It's been hard enough to get people to take Monero seriously without that kind of BS.