Billie Eilish took a bold stance against wealth inequality while accepting the music innovator award at the 2025 WSJ Innovator Awards on October 29 in New York City. The 23-year-old singer used her platform to challenge billionaires in attendance, including Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook.
During her speech, Eilish remarked, “Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me.” She urged billionaires to consider their wealth, stating, “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but give your money away, shorties.” Her comments resonated with the audience as she highlighted the pressing need for empathy and assistance in a world facing numerous challenges.
Eilish concluded her address by emphasizing the importance of using wealth for good, suggesting that those with financial resources should contribute to causes that aid those in need. Zuckerberg, whose net worth is approximately $227.9 billion, was present alongside his wife, Priscilla Chan, when Eilish delivered her message.
Despite her own financial success, with a net worth of about $50 million according to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Eilish is committed to philanthropy. During the awards ceremony, she announced a substantial donation of $11.5 million from her recent tour, the Hit Me Hard and Soft World Tour, to various charities focusing on food inequity and climate change.
Commitment to Environmental Initiatives
In an interview published in WSJ Magazine on the same day, Eilish discussed her efforts to make her tour more environmentally friendly. She implemented initiatives such as plant-based catering, biodegradable confetti, and merchandise made from recycled cotton. These efforts reflect her dedication to sustainability and social responsibility.
Eilish’s activism extends beyond her music career. Recently, she called on Congress to support humanitarian aid in Gaza, highlighting the plight of Palestinian children facing severe hardships, including limited access to food and baby formula. This call to action was sparked by a TikTok video shared by popular children’s content creator, Ms. Rachel, which emphasized the urgent need for assistance. Eilish tagged several prominent politicians in her post, including Senators Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, and Cory Booker, as well as Representative Jimmy Gomez.
Through her public statements and charitable actions, Billie Eilish continues to leverage her influence to advocate for social change, demonstrating that the intersection of celebrity and activism can lead to meaningful discussions about wealth distribution and humanitarian efforts.
