Erik LarsonJun 3, 2026 – 10.54amFamed short seller Andrew Left faces the possibility of decades behind bars after being found guilty of using disingenuous social media posts to manipulate stocks, in a landmark case that threatens to chill a broader trading strategy loathed by corporate executives.Left, who gained a large online following with his blunt commentary about major US companies as well as smaller stocks popular with retail traders, was convicted this week following a three-week trial in Los Angeles. Even before his conviction, his 2024 indictment spooked the industry and led some short sellers to beef up legal disclaimers.BloombergSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles