Billie Eilish made headlines during her acceptance speech at the 2025 WSJ Innovator Awards in New York City on October 29, where she received the music innovator award. The 23-year-old artist addressed the audience, which included prominent billionaires, and urged them to consider their wealth in the context of societal needs.
In her speech, Eilish expressed, “Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me.” She continued by questioning the ethics of billionaire wealth, stating, “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but give your money away, shorties.” Eilish emphasized the dire circumstances many people face, particularly in the United States, and called for greater empathy and support.
As she wrapped up her remarks, Eilish encouraged those with financial resources to use their wealth for positive change: “I’d say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things, maybe give it to some people that need it.” Among the billionaires in attendance was Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook, who has an estimated net worth of $227.9 billion. He and his wife, Priscilla Chan, were seen at the event, potentially reflecting on Eilish’s poignant message.
While Eilish’s personal wealth is substantial, estimated at $50 million according to CelebrityNetWorth.com, she remains committed to philanthropy. During the awards ceremony, she announced a significant donation of $11.5 million from her recent Hit Me Hard and Soft World Tour to charities focused on fighting food inequity and climate change. This generous contribution underscores her dedication to addressing critical global issues.
In a related interview with WSJ Magazine, Eilish discussed her efforts to make her tour more environmentally friendly. She highlighted initiatives such as plant-based catering, biodegradable confetti, and the use of recycled cotton for merchandise. These actions align with her broader commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Eilish’s advocacy extends beyond entertainment. Recently, she voiced support for humanitarian aid in Gaza, sharing a TikTok video by popular children’s content creator Ms. Rachel. The video drew attention to the severe challenges faced by Palestinian children, including limited access to food and baby formula. Following the video’s release, Eilish tagged several members of Congress, including Senators Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, Cory Booker, and Representative Jimmy Gomez, encouraging them to take action.
Billie Eilish’s remarks at the WSJ Innovator Awards not only spotlight the stark realities of wealth disparity but also exemplify how influential figures can leverage their platforms for social change. Her actions serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with affluence and the potential for meaningful impact when wealth is directed toward pressing global issues.
