Billie Eilish took the stage at the 2025 WSJ Innovator Awards in New York City on October 29 to accept the music innovator award and deliver a powerful message to billionaires present in the audience. The acclaimed artist, known for her advocacy on various social issues, used her platform to address wealth disparity and the urgent need for charitable contributions.
In her speech, Eilish stated, “Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me.” She continued with a pointed question, “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but give your money away, shorties.” This direct appeal highlighted her belief that those in positions of financial power should contribute to addressing pressing global issues. She emphasized the current state of the world by saying, “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.”
Among those in attendance was Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, who has a reported net worth of approximately $227.9 billion. Eilish’s comments were particularly relevant given the stark contrast between her financial standing and that of many billionaires. According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Eilish’s own net worth is around $50 million.
Eilish’s commitment to philanthropy was further underscored by her announcement at the awards ceremony that she would donate $11.5 million from her recent “Hit Me Hard and Soft World Tour” to charities aimed at combating food inequity and addressing climate change. This initiative reflects her dedication to using her influence and resources for the greater good.
In a related interview published in WSJ Magazine on the same day, Eilish discussed her efforts to make her tour more environmentally sustainable. She highlighted initiatives such as plant-based catering, biodegradable confetti, and the use of recycled cotton for merchandise. These measures align with her broader commitment to environmental issues.
Eilish has also been vocal about humanitarian concerns beyond her music career. Recently, she urged the U.S. Congress to support humanitarian aid for Gaza in response to the ongoing crisis. Her engagement included sharing a TikTok video by children’s content creator Ms. Rachel, which called attention to the hardships faced by Palestinian children, including limited access to essential supplies. Following the video’s call to action, Eilish tagged several members of Congress, including Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Adam Schiff, to amplify the message.
Through her public speaking and charitable actions, Billie Eilish continues to position herself as a prominent advocate for social change. Her willingness to challenge the wealthy elite and push for accountability demonstrates her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world.
