Billie Eilish Calls on Billionaires to Donate

Pop star Billie Eilish recently urged billionaires to “donate money” during her acceptance of a music award at the 2025 Innovator Awards in New York City, despite her own net worth exceeding $50 million.

“We’re in a really, really bad, really dark time in the world right now, especially in our country, where people need empathy and help more than ever,” she expressed in her acceptance speech.

Among the attendees were Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, as well as director George Lucas. Reports indicate Zuckerberg, who has a net worth of $226 billion, did not applaud during Eilish’s speech and allegedly dismissed her comments.

“I think if you have money, use it for good and give it to people who need it,” she added.

“I love you all, but there are some people here who have way more money than I do. So, if you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? And no hate, but give your money away, little people,” she said to the audience filled with wealthy figures.

Eilish, introduced by Stephen Colbert, announced she would donate $11.5 million from her tour to various causes, including food equity and climate justice.

Following her speech, many social media users criticized Eilish for her wealth, suggesting that she should practice what she preaches and give up her fortune.

“Why exactly does she need $53 million? She made her money in a capitalist country. Maybe she should give it all up and move to a socialist/communist country,” one user commented.

Another remarked, “Why don’t you set an example? Give up your assets, give up your royalties, give up your private jet… give up everything, you shorty.”

Eilish’s call for billionaires to share their wealth resonates with an increasing movement towards wealth redistribution, often encompassed under social justice. This trend is particularly visible in the upcoming New York mayoral race, where Democratic Socialist candidate Zoran Mamdani leads the polls, advocating for progressive reforms such as significant tax increases on the wealthy and rent freezes.

Trump responded during a speech, implying Mamdani’s potential election as a “communist mayor” would be a mistake, emphasizing his intent to “wipe out crime in about 30 days.”