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The Grammy Awards on February 2, 2026, sparked significant discussions about the intersection of celebrity culture and political activism. Central to this conversation was Billie Eilish, a 24-year-old pop sensation, who used her acceptance speech for the coveted Song of the Year award to highlight urgent issues such as immigration and Indigenous rights. Her statement, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” along with her criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ignited reactions that extended beyond the music industry and into broader public discourse.
In a poignant moment shared with her brother and collaborator, Finneas O’Connell, Eilish accepted the award for her song “Wildflower” from the 2026 album Hit Me Hard and Soft. Her speech combined gratitude with a call to action, stating, “As grateful as I feel, I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything but that no one is illegal on stolen land. It’s just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now.” The atmosphere was charged with optimism as she continued, “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 fuck ICE,” as reported by The Independent and Billboard.
Immediate backlash and celebrity responses
The backlash against Eilish’s speech came swiftly. Critics, including conservative commentators, politicians, and social media users, denounced her for using the Grammys as a platform for political expression. Some extreme reactions included demands for Eilish to relinquish her $14 million mansion in Los Angeles, which is located on land originally belonging to the Tongva tribe, as reported by The California Post. This criticism was not restricted to fringe voices; more prominent figures in business and media also chimed in.
Among the critics was Kevin O’Leary, a Canadian entrepreneur and supporter of Donald Trump. He expressed his views on Fox News shortly after the Grammys, insisting that celebrities should avoid political commentary. His advice was clear: “It’s the first lesson 101 for celebrity: as you rise up, whether you’re a film star or music star or whatever, shut your mouth and just entertain.” O’Leary cautioned that political statements could alienate fans and harm careers, suggesting, “Half the people in politics that you piss off won’t buy your music anymore. I mean, don’t be stupid about it, but hey, they don’t listen,” according to reports by REUTERS and Fox News.
Support for Eilish from fellow celebrities
However, the narrative evolved quickly, as the backlash prompted strong support for Eilish from the entertainment community. Mark Ruffalo, known for his role as the Hulk in the Marvel franchise, took to social media to express his backing for Eilish and criticize O’Leary. On Threads, he wrote, “Kevin O’Leary why don’t you STFU. It’s hilarious. You will go on any show and talk shit about any number of things and smugly expect us to listen to you, but you will dig into a real artist that dwarfs anything you dream of doing for actually saying something that resonates with hundreds of millions of people the world over.” His remarks gained traction, earning widespread praise from fans and fellow celebrities.
Ruffalo’s comments underscored the generational divide and frustrations voiced by younger artists. His sentiments were echoed by Eilish’s brother, Finneas, who remarked on the outrage expressed by established figures. He pointed out the irony of “very powerful old white men outraged about what my 24-year-old sister said during her acceptance speech.” His Instagram post emphasized the ongoing struggles faced by younger generations amid conservative backlash.
Political expression at the Grammys
This year’s Grammy Awards were characterized by a broader wave of political expression, with Eilish not being the only artist to oppose the current administration’s immigration policies. Notable figures such as Justin Bieber, Joni Mitchell, and Bad Bunny also wore pins bearing the message “ICE OUT” on the red carpet. During his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album, Bad Bunny echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens—we’re humans.” This collective outcry indicates a growing trend among artists to use their platforms to challenge governmental actions and advocate for social causes.
Despite this trend, the debate surrounding the intersection of entertainment and activism continues. O’Leary’s stance reflects a long-standing discourse in American culture about whether celebrities should maintain neutrality. Proponents of artistic activism argue that artists have historically played crucial roles in social movements, asserting that expecting entertainers to remain solely focused on entertainment is unrealistic and overlooks their potential to inspire change. As Ruffalo aptly stated, Eilish’s message resonates powerfully with a vast audience worldwide.
The cultural implications
In the aftermath of Eilish’s Grammy speech and the subsequent celebrity feuds, a larger conversation about the role of public figures in society is emerging. Should artists take a stand on social justice issues, or should they heed advice to avoid controversy? This question remains divisive and largely depends on individual perspectives. As the discourse evolves, it is clear that this incident encapsulates ongoing tensions surrounding free expression, political engagement, and the responsibilities of those in the public eye. Billie Eilish and her supporters seem committed to advocacy, ensuring that the dialogue surrounding art and activism will remain relevant in the public sphere for the foreseeable future.