Billie Eilish Faces Backlash for Comments on Land Ownership

Singer Billie Eilish was met with criticism on Monday after proclaiming that “nobody would live illegally on stolen land” during her Grammy acceptance speech, despite her owning a large estate in Hollywood.

While accepting the Grammy for Best Song at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Eilish made her remarks against the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “No one lives illegally on stolen land,” she stated, wearing an “ICE OUT” pin. “I feel really hopeful in this room. We need to keep fighting and speaking out and protesting. Our voices really matter, and so do people.”

After her speech, various critics, including members of Congress, responded harshly. Some even suggested she should put her money where her mouth is and return her property to Native Americans. Senator Mike Lee from Utah commented, “White people who publicly acknowledge ‘stolen land’ should immediately cede their land to Native Americans. If they don’t, they don’t mean it, and I’m sure they don’t mean it.”

Others echoed similar sentiments. Minnesota Congressman Walter Hudson questioned the implications of her statement, asking, “Why not act accordingly? Donate everything and leave?”

Greg Price, a conservative commentator, mocked Eilish’s situation, questioning the views of someone living in a secured mansion about issues faced by immigrants. Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis suggested Eilish should consider giving up her property if it’s indeed on “stolen land.”

Elon Musk sympathized with DeSantis’ remarks, while Julia Hartley-Brewer highlighted Eilish’s perceived hypocrisy, suggesting she’d never actually give up her beachfront Malibu home.

Stephen L. Miller added, “A wealthy Hollywood celebrity accepts a bounty on stolen land. It sums up the Democratic Party’s problem.”

The Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, dismissed the comments made during the Grammy event, emphasizing the real work ICE agents do in their roles by apprehending serious offenders.

Eilish has consistently criticized immigration enforcement, stating previously that people were being “kidnapped” and harmed by ICE. She’s also called out other celebrities for their silence on political matters.