‘Bad Bitcoin take’ — Crypto community reacts to Saylor’s kidney-selling advice

Home » Bitcoin » ‘Bad Bitcoin take’ — Crypto community reacts to Saylor’s kidney-selling advice

Bitcoins Organ trafficking is illegal in most countries; plus, sellers typically get far less from the hefty prices buyers might pay.

When Bitcoin crashes, Saylor’s our guy, but this time, the vibe is off for many.

Strategy founder Michael Saylor suggested Bitcoin holders should sell one of their kidneys if they need money rather than selling their Bitcoin.

The comment came as Bitcoin fell below $80,000 on Thursday, reaching its lowest level since last November.

Sell a kidney if you must, but keep the Bitcoin.

— Michael Saylor⚡️ (@saylor) February 28, 2025

The statement drew sharp criticism from crypto community members and industry figures, who condemned it as irresponsible given health and ethical concerns surrounding organ selling.

This adds to Saylor’s history of advocating extreme measures for Bitcoin investment. During previous market downturns, he encouraged investors to liquidate assets and maximize credit card debt to purchase Bitcoin on leverage.

In a FOX Business interview, the Bitcoin bull also suggested people mortgage their homes to invest in Bitcoin.

“First you told people to max out their credit cards and mortgage their homes to buy Bitcoin. Now you’re telling them to sell off their organs. Have you no shame?” criticized gold advocate Peter Schiff in a comment on Saylor’s post.

The Bitcoin skeptic pointed out that if people had followed Saylor’s advice when Bitcoin was trading around $50,000, they would now be facing high interest payments on credit card debt, with current rates reaching 24%.

However, others think Saylor’s ‘sell a kidney’ thing was just a bad joke or hyperbole that reflects his strong belief in Bitcoin’s long-term potential.

Regardless, critics argue that his prominent role in the crypto space demands more responsible public communication.

Very very bad taste statements. Is this you or your interns talking?
Health comes before anything. People look at you as a leader or at least as guidance in the field. This is a terrible take even as a joke.

— Giovanni’s BTC_POWER_LAW (@Giovann35084111) February 28, 2025

I have nothing against Bitcoin, but this is really bad advice. It’s pretty easy for someone making millions off of retail traders to say stuff like this without once considering what “you” are going through.

Why doesn’t Mr. Saylor establish a Bitcoin charity fund for people who… https://t.co/mdgiKP1cAv

— Ayesha Tariq, CFA (@AyeshaTariq) February 28, 2025

Bad advice. If you are suffering losses and cannot afford to lose more and in a #Bitcoin position, then selling sometimes if the best option

Then learn form your mistakes of entering without a plan https://t.co/Brb1rMagZn

— Crypto Tony (@CryptoTony__) February 28, 2025

And some simply joked or gave satirical takes on the issue.

You guys still have kidneys? pic.twitter.com/wgeIIHVN0x

— Samson Mow (@Excellion) February 28, 2025

Buy Litecoin and you can keep your kidneys. https://t.co/NJmEWPas20

— CryptoLuke ???????? (@Litecoin8888) February 28, 2025

Me buying the dip pic.twitter.com/hQUmm4sKaM

— Cryptocurrency Inside (@Crypto_Inside_) February 28, 2025

The price of a human kidney on the black market varies widely. According to a report from Dr. Bertalan Mesko, PhD, kidney prices on black markets can range from $50,000 to $120,000, though sellers typically receive only a fraction and middlemen capture most profits.

It’s important to note that organ trafficking is illegal in most countries, and this is not financial or health advice.

Saylor’s Strategy currently holds 499,096 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $41 billion at current market prices. The company’s shares traded at $245 after market opening Friday, down 15% year-to-date.

At press time, Bitcoin traded at $83,500, showing a decline of over 10% year-to-date, per TradingView.