Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Billie Eilish Challenges Billionaires at WSJ Awards With $11.5 Million Donation

Her tour proceeds will fund food equity, climate justice, carbon‑reduction work via her Changemaker effort.

Overview

  • Eilish used her acceptance speech to urge the ultra‑wealthy to give away wealth, asking, “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? … give your money away, shorties,” and calling for empathy during a difficult time.
  • Stephen Colbert announced onstage that $11.5 million from her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour will support organizations focused on food equity, climate justice and reducing carbon pollution.
  • Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was in the audience in support of Priscilla Chan, and People reported via an unnamed eyewitness that he did not clap following Eilish’s remarks.
  • The donation will be directed through Eilish’s Changemaker program, with coverage highlighting that the pledge was disclosed at the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards where she received the Music Innovator honor.
  • Reports noted her push for lower‑impact touring—plant‑based catering, biodegradable confetti and recycled‑material merch—and framed the gift as substantial relative to estimates of her personal wealth.