Billie Eilish delivered a powerful message on wealth inequality while accepting the Music Innovator Award at the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards in New York City on November 1, 2023. The Grammy-winning artist used her platform to call out billionaires, urging them to use their fortunes for the greater good. Eilish’s remarks caught the attention of the audience, notably billionaire and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who appeared visibly upset during her speech.
In her acceptance speech, Eilish stated, “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 continued, “I’d say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things, maybe give it to some people that need it.” Eilish made a direct appeal to those in attendance, saying, “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties.”
Audience Reaction and Eilish’s Commitment
Among the attendees was Zuckerberg, who reportedly did not join in the applause following Eilish’s comments. Eyewitnesses noted that he remained silent, contrasting with other audience members, including Hailey Bieber, Spike Lee, and George Lucas.
Eilish’s commitment to social causes is evident in her philanthropic efforts. Stephen Colbert, who presented her with the award, announced that she plans to donate proceeds from her upcoming “Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour” to organizations focused on food equity, climate justice, and reducing carbon pollution. The total contribution is expected to reach an impressive $11.5 million.
The Wealth Disparity Context
Although Eilish has an estimated net worth of around $50 million, Zuckerberg’s wealth is significantly greater at approximately $264 billion, making him the third richest person in the world. For context, the US Department of Education budget was $268 billion in 2024, shortly before former President Trump signed an order to dismantle it earlier this year.
Despite his substantial wealth, Zuckerberg has made notable charitable contributions. He attended the event to support his wife, Priscilla Chan, who received the Philanthropy in Science Innovator Award for her work with the couple’s Zuckerberg Chan Initiative. A decade ago, they pledged to donate 99 percent of their Facebook shares during their lifetime.
Eilish’s remarks sparked conversations about the responsibilities of the ultra-wealthy in addressing social issues. While Zuckerberg’s charitable efforts are commendable, Eilish’s challenge highlights the broader implications of wealth disparity. The ongoing debate about the role of billionaires in society and their contributions to the issues facing many communities continues to resonate.
