During the WSJ Magazine 2025 Innovator Awards in New York City, pop superstar Billie Eilish delivered a direct message to some of the world's wealthiest individuals present. She urged billionaires to use their vast fortunes for societal good, specifically addressing issues of food insecurity and climate change.
Eilish, who was honored with the music innovator award, highlighted her own efforts, revealing that her ongoing 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' tour has already raised a significant sum for charitable causes.
Key Takeaways
- Billie Eilish challenged billionaires to donate their wealth for good.
- She raised $11.5 million for food insecurity and climate change through her tour.
- Eilish emphasized the importance of empathy and sustainable practices.
- Mark Zuckerberg was among the wealthy attendees.
Eilish Accepts Innovator Award and Calls for Action
The event, held on October 29, 2025, at MoMA, saw Stephen Colbert present Eilish with her award. Before her acceptance, Colbert announced that the artist's 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' tour had successfully generated $11.5 million. This substantial amount is designated for organizations tackling critical issues like food insecurity and climate change.
As Eilish approached the podium, she faced an audience that included some of the planet's most influential and affluent figures. Among them was Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Meta, whose net worth is estimated at $228 billion. Zuckerberg attended to support his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, who was also honored for her philanthropic work with CZI.
"People need empathy and help in our country," Eilish stated in her remarks. She then directly addressed the room's high-net-worth individuals: "I’d say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things and give it to some people that need it."
Her message was clear and uncompromising. Eilish continued, "Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me. If you are a billionaire, why are you a billionaire?" She concluded this segment with a blunt, "No hate, but give your money away, shorties."
Quick Facts
- Eilish's tour raised $11.5 million.
- Funds go to her Changemaker Program.
- Mark Zuckerberg, with an estimated $228 billion, was present.
- The event took place at MoMA in New York City.
Commitment to Sustainability Beyond Donations
Eilish's call for wealth redistribution aligns with her long-standing advocacy for environmental responsibility. Her interview with WSJ Magazine, published online the same day as the awards, further detailed her commitment to sustainability.
She specifically criticized the fashion industry's lack of sustainable practices. Eilish emphasized that environmentally friendly materials and methods are readily available but often ignored by companies.
"You can literally make all the same s–t with sustainable materials, and people just aren’t doing it," she told the publication. "The main thing that I’ve learned in working with so many companies and making my own merch and my perfume is that everyone can actually do it. It’s just that mostly they don’t."
Background on Changemaker Program
The $11.5 million raised by Eilish's tour is channeled into her Changemaker Program. This initiative supports organizations dedicated to combating global hunger and environmental degradation. It represents a tangible effort to address the very issues Eilish highlighted in her speech.
Leading by Example in the Music Industry
Eilish's dedication to sustainability extends deeply into her concert operations. Her shows offer plant-based food options, utilize biodegradable confetti, and feature merchandise made from recycled cotton. She also actively encourages her audience to participate by bringing reusable water bottles and opting for public transportation to venues.
This commitment is not new. In 2024, Eilish voiced her frustration with wastefulness within the music industry. She pointed out the practice of releasing numerous vinyl packages with minor variations, designed to encourage multiple purchases from fans.
"I find it really frustrating as somebody who really goes out of my way to be sustainable and do the best that I can and try to involve everybody in my team in being sustainable," Eilish stated previously. "And then it’s some of the biggest artists in the world making f–king 40 different vinyl packages that have a different unique thing just to get you to keep buying more."
Her actions and words at the Innovator Awards reinforce her position as an artist who not only entertains but also uses her platform to advocate for significant social and environmental change. Her challenge to the billionaires in the room served as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with immense wealth.
The Impact of Eilish's Message
Eilish's speech quickly gained traction, sparking conversations about wealth distribution and corporate social responsibility. Her direct approach, delivered to an audience of the world's elite, resonated with many who believe that vast fortunes should contribute more to public welfare.
The nine-time Grammy winner continues to be a vocal advocate for causes she believes in. Her willingness to speak candidly, even to powerful figures, sets her apart in the entertainment industry. This latest address at the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards is a testament to her consistent efforts to promote a more equitable and sustainable world.
Her ongoing tour is not just a series of concerts; it is a platform for fundraising and awareness. The $11.5 million raised is a tangible outcome of her commitment, demonstrating that popular artists can drive significant philanthropic efforts while pursuing their careers.