Billie Eilish Tells Billionaires to Share the Wealth at WSJ Innovator Awards

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At the WSJ Magazine’s 2025 Innovator Awards in New York, Billie Eilish turned her spotlight into a mirror for the powerful. While accepting the Music Innovator Award from Stephen Colbert, the 23-year-old artist addressed a crowd filled with industry elites and billionaires, including Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg.

Before she spoke, Colbert announced that Eilish had already raised $11.5 million for organizations tackling food insecurity and climate change through her Hit Me Hard and Soft world tour. Once on stage, Eilish didn’t waste a second softening her message.

“People need empathy and help in our country,” she said, before delivering a pointed reminder: “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. If you are a billionaire, why are you a billionaire?”

Then came the line that echoed across social media: “No hate, but give your money away, shorties.”

Her remarks arrived the same day WSJ published her interview discussing touring life, sustainability, and her ongoing frustration with industries that refuse to adapt. Eilish criticized the fashion world for ignoring eco-friendly materials and the music business for pushing excessive vinyl variants.

Through her Changemaker Program, the singer has funneled $11.5 million toward combating hunger and climate issues. She’s also implemented eco-conscious practices throughout her tour, from plant-based catering and biodegradable confetti to merch made from recycled cotton.

Whether billionaires were listening is another question entirely.

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🎥 WSJ Magazine / The Wall Street Journal