Billie Eilish calls out billionaires while accepting award: 'Give your money away'

Billie Eilish speaks onstage during the WSJ. Magazine 2025 Innovator Awards at MoMA on October 29, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine Innovators Awards)

Billie Eilish was given the music innovator award at the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards in New York Wednesday, and from the podium, she suggested that billionaires be a bit more generous.

In introducing Billie, Stephen Colbert noted that she raised more than $11.5 million in donations through her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour. That money will go to her Changemaker Program, which helps organizations fighting food insecurity and the climate crisis.

Accepting the award, Billie said, "My fans are the only reason I care about anything, and I want to thank them for their empathy and compassion."

She noted, "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 ever, especially in our country. And I'd say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things and give it to some people that need it."

"Love you all, but there's a few people in here that have a lot more money than me," she continued. "And if you are a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties."

Billboard reported that among the people in the room during the speech was Meta owner Mark Zuckerberg, who's worth an estimated $228 billion.

0
Comments on this article
0
On Air97X - Tampa Bay's New Alternative Logo

97X - Hurricane Guide

Stay up to date on the latest track and impacts in the Tampa Bay area with our hurricane guide from 97X and Fox 13.


97X Green Room

Check out the latest videos and photos from our 97X Green Rooms in the Achieva Credit Union Sound Stage!


97X Videos

Check out videos from concerts, artist interviews, virtual performances & more!


mobile apps

Everything you love about 97xonline.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!