Billie Eilish made headlines on March 15, 2024, during the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards in New York City, where she accepted the Music Innovator Award. In her acceptance speech, the Grammy-winning artist directed pointed remarks at the wealth of billionaires, urging them to use their fortunes for the greater good.
Eilish’s speech addressed the current social climate, stating, “We’re in a time right now where the world is really, really bad and really dark and people need empathy and help more than, kind of, ever, especially in our country.” She continued, “If you have money, it would be great to use it for good things, maybe give it to some people that need it.”
The audience included notable figures, such as billionaire Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. An eyewitness reported that Zuckerberg appeared visibly displeased during Eilish’s critique, refraining from clapping as other attendees, including Hailey Bieber, Spike Lee, and George Lucas, showed their appreciation.
Eilish’s comments come at a time when discussions about wealth inequality are increasingly prominent. She acknowledged the significant wealth disparity by stating, “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties.”
In a show of commitment to her beliefs, Eilish announced that she would donate proceeds from her upcoming Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour. According to Stephen Colbert, who presented her award, she plans to give away $11.5 million to support various causes, including food equity and climate justice.
While Eilish has an estimated net worth of $50 million, Zuckerberg’s fortune stands at approximately $264 billion, making him the third richest person in the world. For context, this wealth is nearly equivalent to the $268 billion budget of the U.S. Department of Education for 2024, which faced significant cuts earlier this year under former President Donald Trump.
Despite his wealth, Zuckerberg’s philanthropic efforts have been substantial. He attended the event to support his wife, Priscilla Chan, who received the Philanthropy in Science Innovator award for her work with the couple’s Zuckerberg Chan Initiative. A decade ago, the couple pledged to donate 99 percent of their Facebook shares during their lifetimes.
Eilish’s remarks are significant in the context of ongoing debates about wealth distribution and the responsibilities of the ultra-rich. Her challenge to billionaires raises critical questions about their roles in addressing societal issues, particularly as economic inequality continues to grow.
Overall, Eilish’s bold statements at the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards not only stirred the audience but also highlighted the pressing need for empathy and action among those with financial power.
