Oscar-nominated actor Terrence Howard, known for roles in Hustle & Flow and Iron Man, has publicly predicted the demise of Bitcoin, joining a long line of skeptics. During an appearance on the PBD Podcast, Howard stated emphatically, "Bitcoin is going to die, I don't mess with it."
Howard outlined several reasons for his skepticism. He argued that Bitcoin is "based on fiat" and its value is threatened by the decreasing purchasing power of the U.S. dollar and global uncertainty, such as war. He expressed a fear that wealth held in Bitcoin could be "wiped out with the push of a button somewhere." Consequently, he prefers traditional assets like gold and silver, which he trusts as centuries-old stores of value.
The actor also revealed he recently rejected a $25 million investment opportunity presented by a friend, which promised a $75,000 return and was tied to Bitcoin. Howard declined due to discomfort with the associated risks, though he acknowledged holding less than one percent of his portfolio in digital assets.
The cryptocurrency community swiftly pushed back against Howard's claims. Supporters countered that Bitcoin is not based on fiat but is a decentralized network secured by thousands of global nodes, making it resistant to being shut down. They also highlighted Bitcoin's fixed supply of 21 million as a hedge against inflation. At the time of the reports, Bitcoin was trading near $67,617, significantly below its all-time high of $126,080 from October 2025.
Bitcoin 'obituary' predictions are a recurring phenomenon, with nearly 500 documented instances since its creation. To date, none have proven accurate.