Billie Eilish’s mother Maggie Baird sets record straight on ‘nepo baby’ claims over daughter’s success

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Billie Eilish’s mom, Maggie Baird, has spoken out against accusations that her daughter’s success is the result of Hollywood nepotism, as reported by People.

In a recent interview with Glamour for their Women of the Year issue, Baird addressed the “nepo baby” label often attached to Billie, particularly after a viral clip of her appearance on 'Friends' resurfaced online.

Maggie Baird defends Billie Eilish from 'Nepo Baby' claims

Baird, who played a casting director in a 1999 episode of the sitcom, dismissed the notion that her minor role had any impact on Billie’s stardom.

"I think it’s hilarious, she said. Because that came out, and it was like, oh, Billie is a nepo baby. And I’m like, did you know that I got that episode of 'Friends' because I was about to lose my health insurance?" she explained.

Baird, who is also the mother of musician Finneas O'Connell, shared that she and her husband, Patrick O'Connell, consider themselves "working-class actors." "We eked out a meager living, and it afforded us a lot of time with our kids, which was awesome," she remembered.

Baird, who appeared on various shows including 'The West Wing' and The 'X-Files', highlighted the divide between struggling actors and the elite. “But the industry is primarily people like us or even people not even like us who couldn’t even do that. So when all of this happened to our kids, we’d never been on that side of it."

Reflecting on her journey, Baird shared her pride in creating her 2013 independent film 'Life Inside Out' alongside her son, Finneas.

She explained that she wanted to teach her children the value of creating their opportunities, stating, "I think it’s important that as you are hoping your children go much farther than you, you still have your own life. You can still do; you can create. It’s equally important."

Internet reacts to Billie Eilish's mother's remarks

Maggie Baird’s recent comments addressing claims that her daughter, Billie Eilish, is a "nepo baby" have set off a lively conversation online. In a Glamour interview, Baird defended Billie’s success as earned through hard work rather than her family's acting background. This has led to a mix of reactions from fans and critics alike.

One user questioned the whole premise, writing, "I’ve never seen anyone call Billie a nepo baby," while another commenter bluntly stated, "I'm sorry for this, but her parents were failed actors. Billie is NOT a nepo baby."

Others jumped to Baird's defense, with one person adding, "People will do anything but believe a woman is successful because she’s hardworking and talented. Maggie ended them!"

"Lmao, she’s so real for that," a user said, while another user noted, "I don’t think anyone has ever called her a nepo baby. No one knows who her mother is." 

"Wait... her mom called her a nepo baby??" another user wrote.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.