Particle.news
Download on the App Store

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

Her appeal targeted wealth inequality in a room that included Mark Zuckerberg.

Overview

  • Accepting the Music Innovator Award at MoMA on Oct. 29, Eilish used her speech to urge wealthy attendees to give more.
  • She asked, “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties.”
  • Stephen Colbert announced that Eilish is donating $11.5 million from her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour to groups focused on food equity, climate justice, and reducing carbon pollution.
  • People reported the room responded with quiet laughter and clapping, with attendees including Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan.
  • An eyewitness told People that Zuckerberg did not clap, and BuzzFeed noted widespread online praise for Eilish’s remarks, including a highlighted Reddit comment.