Billie Eilish, an American singer and songwriter, has always been open about her views on celebrity wealth. This was evident at the WSJ. Magazine’s 2025 Innovator Awards, where Eilish publicly shared her feelings about celebrities’ inaction regarding assistance to the less fortunate.
At the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, Billie Eilish accepted the Music Innovator Award. Here, she posed the million-dollar question that left audiences shocked: “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire?”
Eilish took the opportunity to express her concerns, exposing the reality of celebrity wealth distributions in a “really bad and dark world. People need empathy and help more than ever, especially in our country,” says Eilish. “I’d say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things; maybe give it to some people who need it.”
Pembroke Pines Charter High School sophomore Emilee Puig comments on the situation.
“I definitely think that celebrities should give back to society because using their wealth for the correct reasons is the wisest thing to do.” She continues, “For me, the right way to use wealth is by giving back to your community through charities or foundations. Eilish has plenty of fans who idolize her. She is promoting donations for a good cause and influences her fans and maybe celebrities to donate.”
During her speech, Eilish bravely called out several people in the audience, including Mark Zuckerberg, who is the third-wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of $269 billion.
“Love you all, but there are a few people in here that have a lot more money than me… No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties.” Eilish speaks from personal experience, as she’s made significant donations through her Hit Me Hard and Soft album tour that launched in May.
Stephen Colbert, the host of this year’s WSJ. Magazine awards, points out Eilish’s generosity, recognizing her support for organizations, projects, initiatives related to climate justice, and other causes. Using her proceeds from the tour, Eilish has totalled $11.5 million in donations.
Freshman Ashley Vianna expresses strong support for Eilish’s goals.
She shares, “Celebrities collect a lot of commission, so they have plenty of wealth to give back to their supporters or people who are in need.” Vianna continues, “I think that Billie did this out of bravery, not for performance, since other people already recognize that she donates and acts as a role model for many.”
Eilish’s speech reminds people that wealth can be used to make a meaningful impact. Her message encourages both celebrities and fans to give back to the community, inspiring many with her generosity and honorable morals.
