Billie Eilish Calls on Billionaires to Donate

Pop artist Billie Eilish recently urged wealthy individuals to contribute to those in need during an awards ceremony that included prominent figures like Mark Zuckerberg.

On Wednesday night, while accepting the Wall Street Journal Innovator Award, Eilish took the opportunity to challenge the affluent audience gathered there.

“We’re in a really dark time globally, especially in our country,” Eilish expressed during her acceptance speech. “People are in desperate need of empathy and support right now.”

She continued, “If you have money, use it for good and give it to those who really need it.”

She even went so far as to point out some of the billionaires present at the event. “I love you all, but honestly, some of you have way more cash than I do,” she remarked. “If you’re a billionaire, then… well, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but seriously, donate your money, you know?”

Reports indicate that her remarks garnered both laughter and applause, although Zuckerberg reportedly did not clap.

As the third richest person globally, Zuckerberg’s net worth is estimated at $257 billion, according to Forbes. He was there to support his wife, Priscilla Chan, who was honored as the 2025 WSJ Innovator of the Year.

Chan, 40, was recognized for the work done through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a charity established in 2015 aimed at addressing various social issues.

A profile of Chan prior to the ceremony stated that the couple has committed to donating 99% of their Meta shares to support their charitable efforts throughout their lives.

Host Stephen Colbert informed the audience that Eilish had raised over $11 million from her recent tour for various causes. “Billie Eilish will donate proceeds from her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour to support initiatives focused on food equity, climate justice, and more,” Colbert noted.

He concluded, “That donation will amount to $11.5 million. That’s wonderful—thank you, Billie, on behalf of everyone.”