Billie Eilish received the 'Musical Innovation' award at the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards on October 29th, and during her speech she criticized the "ultra-rich," while Mark Zuckerberg, creator of Facebook, was in the audience audience.

“We are living in a very difficult and dark time in the world, and people need empathy and help more than ever,” Eilish declared to an audience packed with stars and magnates at the Museum of Modern Art.

“If you have money, I recommend that you use it for good causes, maybe to help those who need it.” Billie Eilish

However, the artist didn't stop at a general request. She emphasized, “I love you all, but there are some here who have a lot more money than I do. If you are billionaires, why are you? No offense, but yes, give your money away.”

The singer donated money to charities

The comment, which provoked a wave of quiet laughter and applause, reached the ears of some of the richest people on the planet. Among the audience were Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, as well as celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Spike Lee, and George Lucas. According to a witness quoted by People magazine, Zuckerberg's reaction was not the same as the rest of the audience: the billionaire, whose fortune is estimated at $257 billion, according to Forbes, refrained from applauding Eilish's comment. The irony of the situation was heightened by the fact that Chan was one of the honorees of the evening, recognized as a 2025 Innovator in Science Philanthropy for her work through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which, according to the WSJ profile, aims to donate 99% of their Meta shares over their lifetimes. Far from being just a criticism, Eilish backed up her speech with concrete actions. Just before she went on stage, host Stephen Colbert announced that the singer would donate $11.5 million.raised during her recent Hit Me Hard and Soft tour. These funds will be used to support organizations dedicated to food equity, climate justice, and reducing carbon pollution. "It's extraordinary," Colbert declared, underscoring the magnitude of the artist's philanthropic gesture.