If they really had exited, why would they bother telling anyone?
> A Melvin spokesperson declined to comment on the firm’s January performance
Hmmmm. They won't talk about performance, but they're very keen to convince everyone they've exited their short position. This reads like yet another press release that all the major outlets have run.
They have their own customers and reputation to maintain. They’re trying to let their customers know that the damage is done and they’re out.
They’re trying to stop their customers from abandoning them.
Where does the fine for that cap, though?
Also, anyone who claims that their investment decisions were made based on an adversely impacted by that lie, which could be the bigger danger, because the SEC might let you go with a also in the wrist (maybe not, to, politics and policy considerations here can be hard to anticipate), but investors who recognize that you've made yourself a money piñata won't.
That would be hardcore felony level securities fraud. I highly doubt it.