Actor Mark Ruffalo has taken aim at Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary following O’Leary’s disapproval of Billie Eilish’s remarks about ICE at the recent Grammys event.
Across the United States, there has been a wave of protests against ICE raids, which intensified after the fatalities of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
After Pretti’s death, which occurred after a shooting by a federal immigration officer, celebrities such as Olivia Rodrigo, Mandy Moore, and Ariana Grande have voiced their opinions on the pressing issues in the U.S.
During the Grammys on February 1, Billie Eilish addressed these issues while accepting the Song of the Year award for her song ‘Wildflower’.
She expressed gratitude for the recognition but added, “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.”
Eilish continued, urging for ongoing activism and ended with a blunt criticism of ICE.
Despite the passionate support she received from many, Eilish’s comments were not well-received by everyone, including O’Leary.
Days after her speech, O’Leary appeared on Fox News’ American Reports, advising artists to refrain from political statements: “As you rise up, whether you’re a film star, a music star [or] whatever, shut your mouth and just entertain.”
Ruffalo, siding with Eilish, issued a sharp retort to O’Leary on Threads, stating, “Why don’t you STFU?”
“It’s hilarious. You will go on any show and talk s*** about any number of things and smugly expect us to listen to you,” Ruffalo, best known for his role in Avengers, wrote.
Ruffalo further criticized O’Leary’s double standards, referencing O’Leary’s acting stint in the film Marty Supreme.
At the Golden Globes in January, Ruffalo, along with other celebrities, sported a ‘Be Good’ pin, in memory of Renee Good, who lost her life.
Ruffalo expressed his sorrow over Good’s death, and also took the opportunity to criticize President Donald Trump and JD Vance. The White House later responded to his comments, acknowledging the pin as a symbol for those feeling terrified in present-day America.
Finneas, Eilish’s brother and collaborator, also defended his sister’s statements, suggesting they upset ‘a lot of very powerful old white men’.
Representatives for O’Leary have been contacted for their response.