In response to the criticism Billie Eilish has received for her political remarks at the Grammy Awards, her brother, Finneas O’Connell, has defended her actions.
During the recent music awards, numerous celebrities highlighted the ongoing immigration issues in America, including Eilish.
While accepting the Song of the Year award for her song ‘WILDFLOWER’, Eilish addressed the audience, saying: “No one is illegal on stolen land. And yeah, it’s just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now.
“I feel really hopeful in this room and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting and our voices really do matter and the people matter and erm, F*ck ICE.”
An opinion piece on USA Today has since suggested that celebrities like Eilish should ‘stay away from politics’.
Critics were quick to point out that Eilish’s $3 million mansion in LA is located on native American Tongva tribal land, prompting the tribe to comment on the situation.
A representative from the tribe told the Daily Mail: “We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity regarding the recent comments made by Billie Eilish.
“As the First People of the greater Los Angeles basin, we do understand that her home is situated in our ancestral land. Eilish has not contacted our tribe directly regarding her property, we do value the instance when public figures provide visibility to the true history of this country.”
The tribe mentioned that they have reached out to Eilish’s team to thank her for her comments and expressed hope that future references will acknowledge that the Los Angeles basin is Gabrieleno Tongva territory.
In response to the backlash, O’Connell wrote on Threads: “You just can’t do both. You can’t say it doesn’t matter what musicians or celebrities say or think but then talk about it for days. You’re out here making it matter.
“I’ll keep speaking up, especially if it keeps bothering you.”
Supporters have also come forward to defend Eilish and Bad Bunny, who addressed ICE at the Grammys.
One individual wrote in support of public figures addressing societal issues: “I and millions of others appreciate your talent and appreciate you speaking up.”
They continued: “With a huge platform comes a big responsibility and both you and your sister are using it honorably. We thank you.”
Another added: “I don’t understand how people STILL think this is about ‘political views’ and not decency/morality/human rights issues.”
Someone else commented: “The idea that artists haven’t been political since art began is just… clueless.”