What does either of them have to gain by saying Bitcoin and other cryptos are a sham? They have more money than anyone else on Earth, and the fact is that cryptocurrencies have made many people wealthy. So how do we surmise that they have created an opinion that hurts the value, therefore taking away value and wealth from others, and to no value for themselves?
I believe that both of them have done a lot of good in the world. They have started programs that include health, education and research in some of the poorest places on Earth. The have brough food, access to clean water, and many other projects, like hospitals and schools.
But I believe that when one is enormously rich, one can believe that they know a lot about everything. They have the notion that they must be right most of the time, and that their opinions are based upon the idea that they became wealthy because they made a lot of smart decisions. And that is quite true.
But postulating on the value and longevity of something that fills a need but is not entirely understood is in my opinion not in their wheelhouse. I think that until crypto is understood and accepted by more people and institutions, people of power should not show ignorance? about something that is developing around them. We may be buying computers and software and stocks in the near future with coins that are being denigrated today.