Bored Ape NFTs, once highly sought-after and financially lucrative assets, have recently suffered a significant decline in value. These digital images of uninterested primates, previously fetching millions of dollars, now sell for as little as $52,000 worth of Ethereum. The situation has raised concerns about the stability and longevity of the NFT market, prompting celebrities and investors to reassess their involvement.

According to a report by Decrypt, the value of Bored Ape NFTs has experienced a sharp decline, hitting multi-year lows. Once commanding exorbitant prices, these digital collectibles have lost a significant portion of their value. ApeCoin, the virtual currency tied to Bored Apes’ creator, Yuga Labs, has suffered as well, shedding 93 percent of its market cap, which stood at $7.6 billion in April 2022. This downturn has transformed Bored Apes from being coveted status symbols to reminders of the tenuous nature of the NFT market.

Not even celebrities could escape the fallout. Justin Bieber’s Bored Ape, a previously valued possession worth $1.3 million in 2022, is now estimated to be worth only about $60,000. This staggering depreciation demonstrates the immense losses suffered by those who invested in Bored Apes at the peak of the NFT frenzy. Similarly, NBA star Stephen Curry’s Bored Ape, acquired for $180,000 worth of ETH in 2021, has depreciated to less than one-third of its original value. The once-rosy investments of famous personalities have been tainted by this financial setback.

The NFT market’s decline has led to celebrities seeking legal recourse. In December 2022, Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton, Madonna, and other investors filed a class-action lawsuit, alleging that they were deceived into purchasing Bored Apes by other celebrities who failed to disclose their own financial interests. This legal action underscores the growing disillusionment among investors, as the allure of celebrity endorsement turns sour. The lawsuit also highlights the need for greater transparency and responsible promotion within the NFT ecosystem.

While the Bored Ape Yacht Club remains one of the more valuable NFT collections on OpenSea, Bored Ape prices have only partially recovered since the recent slump. Collectors now face the grim reality that their once-coveted NFTs may become significant financial burdens. This alarming revelation casts a shadow over other NFT projects, causing investors to question the long-term sustainability of this market.