Billie Eilish voiced a powerful message about wealth inequality during her acceptance speech at the 2025 WSJ Innovator Awards in New York City on October 29. The 23-year-old artist, who received the music innovator award, directed her comments toward billionaires in the audience, including Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook. Eilish stated, “Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me.”
In a candid moment, Eilish challenged the wealthy, asking, “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but give your money away, shorties.” She emphasized the urgent need for empathy in a world facing significant challenges, particularly in the United States. “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,” she added.
Eilish concluded her remarks with a call to action, stating, “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.” Zuckerberg, with an estimated net worth of $227.9 billion, attended the event alongside his wife, Priscilla Chan.
Despite her own success, with a net worth of $50 million according to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Eilish is committed to philanthropy. She announced a donation of $11.5 million from her recent Hit Me Hard and Soft World Tour to charities dedicated to addressing food inequity and combating climate change.
Environmental Initiatives and Advocacy
During the same event, Eilish detailed her efforts to make her tours more sustainable. She highlighted initiatives such as plant-based catering, biodegradable confetti, and using recycled cotton for merchandise. These measures reflect her commitment to environmental responsibility.
Additionally, Eilish has been vocal about humanitarian issues, recently urging Congress to support aid for Gaza. She responded to a TikTok video by children’s content creator, Ms. Rachel, which raised awareness about the dire circumstances facing Palestinian children, including their limited access to food and baby formula. Eilish echoed the call to action by tagging prominent politicians such as Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Adam Schiff, Senator Cory Booker, and Representative Jimmy Gomez in her post.
Eilish’s remarks at the WSJ Innovator Awards underscore her dedication to using her platform for social change. As the world grapples with pressing issues, her message resonates with many who advocate for greater accountability from those with substantial wealth.
