Billie Eilish’s Bold Moment at the WSJ. Magazine 2025 Innovator Awards

Pop superstar Billie Eilish made headlines at the WSJ. Magazine 2025 Innovator Awards after calling out billionaires during her acceptance speech — all while Mark Zuckerberg, one of the world’s wealthiest people, sat in the audience. The 23-year-old Grammy-winning singer received the Music Innovator Award at the prestigious event held on October 29, 2025, at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art.

The Music Innovator Urges the Wealthy to “Give Back”

Taking the stage to accept her honor, Eilish used her platform not just to thank fans but to deliver a pointed message about wealth and generosity. “We’re in a time right now where the world is really, really bad and really dark,” she told the star-studded audience. “People need empathy and help more than ever — especially in our country. If you have money, it would be great to use it for good things, maybe give it to some people that need it.”

The crowd — filled with A-list celebrities and business moguls — listened closely as the “Bad Guy” singer took things a step further, adding with her trademark bluntness: “Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me. If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties.”

Mark Zuckerberg’s Quiet Reaction Draws Attention

Among those in attendance were Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, alongside stars such as Hailey Bieber, George Lucas, Chris Rock, Tory Burch, and Spike Lee. According to an eyewitness, while many in the crowd clapped and laughed lightly at Eilish’s remark, Zuckerberg notably remained still — choosing not to applaud.

As of 2025, Zuckerberg holds the title of third-richest person in the world, with a net worth estimated around $257 billion, according to Forbes. His presence added an unspoken tension to Eilish’s commentary on wealth inequality.

Eilish Donates $11.5 Million to Climate and Food Justice Causes

Backing up her words with action, Eilish’s philanthropic efforts were spotlighted earlier that same evening. Stephen Colbert, who introduced the singer, revealed that she donated $11.5 million from her Hit Me Hard and Soft world tour to organizations focused on climate justice, food equity, and carbon pollution reduction.

“Billie Eilish will be donating proceeds from her tour to support projects and voices dedicated to fighting the climate crisis,” Colbert announced. “On behalf of humans everywhere, thank you.” The crowd erupted into applause as Eilish nodded humbly.

A Star-Studded Evening with Fashion, Friends, and Statements

For the event, Eilish channeled a modern prep-school aesthetic, wearing a navy blazer and skirt layered with a gray sweater, tall socks, and brown Oxford shoes. She completed the look with her signature dark makeup and sleek black hair — a style that matched her confident, unapologetic energy on stage.

After the ceremony, the “Ocean Eyes” singer was seen mingling at the afterparty with Hailey Bieber, marking a friendly reunion between the two amid Eilish’s longtime friendship with Hailey’s husband, Justin Bieber. She also attended the event with her mother, Maggie Baird, who has been a strong supporter of her activism and environmental work.

Why Eilish’s Speech Struck a Cultural Nerve

Eilish’s call for billionaires to use their wealth for good comes at a time when economic inequality and corporate responsibility are dominant cultural conversations. Fans and commentators alike praised her for using her platform to speak candidly in a room full of power players.

The singer’s remarks continue to circulate online, sparking debates about the responsibilities of the ultra-rich and the influence of celebrities who challenge them publicly.