Billie Eilish to billionaires: “Give your money away,” pledges $12M donation

Billie Eilish, the 23-year-old Grammy-winning singer, called on billionaires to share their wealth during a candid speech at the 2025 Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards in New York City on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

The event honored Eilish with the Music Innovator Award alongside notable figures, including Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, Hailey Bieber, and George Lucas.

“Love you all, but there’s a few people in here who have a lot more money than me,” Eilish said. “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but give your money away, shorties.”

Among the attendees was Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose net worth is estimated at USD 227.9 billion. His wife, Priscilla Chan, was also present. The couple has previously pledged to donate 99% of their Meta shares over their lifetimes and have already given more than USD 7 billion.

Eilish spoke on income inequality and the importance of using wealth to help others. “We’re in a time right now where the world is really, really bad and really dark, and people need empathy and help more than ever, especially in our country,” she said. “I’d say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things, maybe give it to some people that need it.”

The singer also revealed plans to donate nearly USD 12 million from her ongoing Hit Me Hard and Soft world tour, which concludes Nov. 23. The funds will support organizations focused on food equity, climate justice, reducing carbon pollution, and combating the climate crisis, according to People and Billboard.

With an estimated net worth of USD 50 million, Eilish has used her platform to speak out on social and economic issues, adding her voice to a growing national conversation on wealth disparity in the U.S.