At the WSJ Innovator Awards held in New York City on October 29, 2025, Billie Eilish delivered a powerful speech addressing the wealth disparity in the audience, which included billionaire Mark Zuckerberg. The 23-year-old singer was honored with the music innovator award and used the platform to challenge the ethical responsibilities of the wealthy.
Eilish remarked, “Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me.” She posed a provocative question to those in the audience with immense wealth, asking, “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but give your money away, shorties.” Her speech highlighted the urgent need for empathy and support in a time of global crises. She continued, “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.”
The moment was particularly poignant as Zuckerberg, whose net worth is approximately $227.9 billion, attended the event with his wife, Priscilla Chan. Eilish’s comments resonated not only with the crowd but also served as a call to action for billionaires to consider their role in addressing societal issues.
Eilish herself boasts a net worth of $50 million, as reported by CelebrityNetWorth.com. Despite her financial success, she has committed to philanthropic efforts, announcing her intention to donate $11.5 million from her recent Hit Me Hard and Soft World Tour to charities focused on combating food inequity and climate change.
In conjunction with her award acceptance, Eilish discussed her initiatives to make her tour more environmentally friendly. She implemented measures such as plant-based catering, biodegradable confetti, and merchandise made from recycled cotton. These efforts align with her broader advocacy for social and environmental justice.
On the same day as the awards, Eilish expressed her concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She reacted to a TikTok video created by popular children’s content creator Ms. Rachel, which highlighted the dire circumstances faced by Palestinian children, such as limited access to food and baby formula. Eilish urged her followers to take action, tagging multiple members of Congress, including Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Cory Booker, in her post.
Billie Eilish continues to use her platform to advocate for significant issues while challenging the wealthy to contribute positively to society. As she emphasizes the importance of empathy and action, her voice stands out in a landscape increasingly marked by social disparities.
