Billie Eilish’s Grammys ICE remarks spark backlash: ‘When is she returning her $14M mansion?’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Billie Eilish sparked backlash across social media after declaring “No one is illegal on stolen land” while accepting the Song of the Year award at the 68th Grammy Awards, with critics accusing the pop star of hypocrisy over her multimillion-dollar properties in Los Angeles.

The remarks, which included profanity-laced criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, triggered calls for Eilish to give up her home to Native American tribes or undocumented migrants, as users questioned whether she truly stood by her message.

Billie Eilish’s Grammys speech ignites immigration debate

While on stage at the Grammys on February 2, Billie Eilish addressed immigration enforcement as she wrapped up her acceptance speech. “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,” Eilish said. “’F**k ICE’ is what I wanna say.”

Her comments came as Donald Trump’s administration continues federal immigration enforcement operations across major US cities, a development that has sparked protests and public debate. Following the speech, critics flooded X with accusations of virtue signaling, pointing to Eilish’s wealth and real estate holdings.

Political commentator Brandon Tatum added, “Meanwhile, she’s chilling in her … Hollywood Hills fortress with armed guards and a moat of privilege. If the land’s so stolen, sis, hand over the keys to the nearest tribe or migrant family.”

British journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer also weighed in, writing, “The woman is a blithering idiot. Of course, if she really means it, then she’ll happily hand over her multi-million pound Malibu beachfront home to illegal migrants.”

Utah Senator Mike Lee echoed the sentiment, saying, “Any white person who does a public ‘stolen land’ acknowledgement should immediately give his or her land to native Americans. Otherwise they don’t mean it."

Backlash grows over ‘stolen land’ claim

Several users claimed that Eilish’s property sits on ancestral land once inhabited by the Tongva tribe, which has historic ties to the Los Angeles Basin. “Why does Billie Eilish own stolen land? She has multiple homes in California.,” one user wrote.

Another questioned whether she planned to return it, asking, "So when is she returning her home to the indigenous?"

Another added, “Billie Eilish owns a 14 million dollars mansion in Los Angeles, built on land ‘stolen’ from the Tongva tribes.”

"Why don't you follow up to see when she's returning her 14M mansion?." another mentioned.

The San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Gabrieleno Tongva acknowledged that Eilish’s home is located on their ancestral land but said she has not contacted the tribe directly regarding her property.

The organization said it appreciated when public figures bring visibility to Indigenous history and confirmed it had reached out to Eilish’s team following the Grammy speech.

Billie Eilish’s wealth and real estate scrutinized

Eilish, who Forbes estimated had a net worth of $53 million in 2020, purchased a $2.3 million horse ranch in Glendale when she was 17, which previously belonged to British singer Leona Lewis, according to Hello Magazine.

It remains unclear what additional properties she owns.

Her brother and longtime collaborator Finneas O’Connell reportedly sold a Malibu beach house for $5.66 million in 2022, according to the LA Times.

Celebrities amplify ICE criticism at Grammys

Eilish’s comments followed a broader wave of celebrity criticism of ICE during the Grammy Awards.

Bad Bunny also condemned the agency while accepting the Best Musica Urbana Album award, saying, “Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say ICE out. We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans.” The Grammy ceremony also marked a milestone for the Gabrieleno Tongva community, as tribal leaders opened the premiere ceremony with a land acknowledgment in partnership with the Recording Academy.

The San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Gabrieleno Tongva said the initiative aimed to ensure public recognition that the greater Los Angeles Basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory.

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