At the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards ceremony in New York City on November 1, 2023, Billie Eilish delivered a powerful acceptance speech that challenged the wealth of billionaires. The Grammy-winning artist received the Music Innovator Award and took the opportunity to highlight issues of inequality and the responsibility of the wealthy to contribute to society.
Eilish spoke candidly to the audience, stating, “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.” She urged those with financial resources to consider using their wealth for good, saying, “If you have money, it would be great to use it for good things, maybe give it to some people that need it.”
The singer’s comments were particularly pointed, as the audience included Mark Zuckerberg, the billionaire CEO of Meta. According to eyewitness accounts, Zuckerberg appeared visibly uncomfortable during Eilish’s speech and did not join in the applause that followed her remarks. Other notable attendees included Hailey Bieber, Spike Lee, and George Lucas.
Eilish’s commitment to social issues is not merely rhetorical. During the ceremony, Stephen Colbert, who presented the award, announced that Eilish would donate proceeds from her upcoming Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour. The donation, amounting to $11.5 million, will support organizations focused on food equity, climate justice, and combating the climate crisis.
With an estimated net worth of $50 million, Eilish stands in stark contrast to Zuckerberg, whose wealth is approximately $264 billion, making him the third richest person globally. To provide context, the budget for the United States Department of Education was $268 billion in 2024, prior to President Trump’s recent order to dismantle it.
While Zuckerberg is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Zuckerberg Chan Initiative, which he founded with his wife Priscilla Chan, the implications of Eilish’s remarks suggest a deeper critique of extreme wealth. The couple pledged to donate 99 percent of their Facebook shares over their lifetime, yet questions remain about the broader impact of such wealth and the systemic issues surrounding income inequality.
Eilish’s remarks resonated with many, as they highlight the growing divide between the rich and the poor. The tension in the room during her speech underscored the discomfort some wealthy individuals may feel when confronted with the realities of their financial privileges.
As the conversation about wealth and responsibility continues, Eilish’s bold statements serve as a reminder of the power of celebrity voices to address pressing societal issues. The event encapsulated the ongoing dialogue about the role of billionaires in addressing the challenges faced by society today.
