Billie Eilish puts the super rich on blast
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish has urged billionaires to give some of their money away.
Billie Eilish asked an uncomfortable question in a room full of rich people: "Why are you a billionaire?"
The 'No Time to Die' singer made the remarks while giving an acceptance speech at this week's 2025 WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards.
Eilish was one of several high-profile honorees, which included Rhode founder Hailey Bieber, actor Ben Stiller, philanthropist Dr Priscilla Chan and directors George Lucas and Spike Lee.
Chan's husband, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, was in the audience.
"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,” Eilish said.
“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.”
The 23-year-old then made her bold statement.
"Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me. If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties.”
Eilish can talk the talk and walk the walk. She donated $11.5 million to the Changemaker Program.
The money came from the proceeds of her 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' tour.
Mark Zuckerberg net worth
Social media users praised Eilish's powerful statement, despite her own wealth. The Grammy award-winner has a reported net worth of over $53 million.
"That actually is courageous to say at Wall Street Journal. She is very socially conscious, and another thing to admire about her," one Instagram user said.
While Eilish's speech received applause and laughter, Zuckerberg, according to People, did not join in clapping along with the star-studded audience.
Despite his lack of applause, Zuckerberg, who has a net worth of $228.5 billion, has previously stated that he will donate 99% of his Meta shares throughout his lifetime.
The 41-year-old's wife, Chan, will do the same. They have already donated over $7 billion since 2015.
Zuckerberg took to Instagram after the awards ceremony to praise his wife for the charitable work she is doing.
"Proud of my amazing wife @priscillachan for winning the WSJ Innovator of the Year award for her work in our philanthropy advancing science to cure and prevent diseases," he wrote.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image credit: YouTube/ Billie Eilish ('Ocean Eyes' music video)