'Eilish got me deported': Drew Pavlou says US authorities detained him over ‘stolen land’ stunt

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Australian activist Drew Pavlou was deported from the United States after spending 30 hours in custody at Los Angeles International Airport. Pavlou had publicly announced plans to travel to Billie Eilish’s $6 million Malibu mansion in a stunt he described as “performance art,” drawing attention from US immigration authorities.

‘Eilish got me deported,’ Pavlou says after 30-hour LAX detention

Following his release, Pavlou shared his experience on social media, suggesting that Eilish’s legal team may have alerted the Department of Homeland Security.

Pavlou claimed authorities treated his social media posts and “performance art” as serious threats, leading to his deportation and the cancellation of a planned appearance on a Texas-based program.

Pavlou questioned over activism and past legal incidents

During his detention, Pavlou says he was subjected to extensive questioning about his activism, including his opposition to the Chinese government and a cleared 2022 bomb threat case in London. He alleged that officials seemed to have a detailed file on him, fueling the belief that Eilish’s legal representatives may have intervened.

Background of Pavlou’s ‘stolen land’ stunt at Billie Eilish’s mansion

The episode originated from Eilish’s Grammy Awards speech, where she stated, “No one is illegal on stolen land. And f— ICE, that’s all I’m gonna say.” Pavlou interpreted the statement as a challenge and announced plans to occupy her Malibu mansion, arguing that her words implied anyone could claim residency.

He wrote online, “I’ve decided today to move into Billie Eilish’s $6 million Malibu beachside mansion. No one is illegal on stolen land. I’m packing my bags right away, and I’m looking forward to just taking possession of her mansion.”

Deportation highlights risks of satirical activism in the US

 Pavlou’s stunt ended with his deportation, turning a social media joke into a real-life confrontation with US immigration authorities. His 30-hour detention underscores the consequences of public actions that US authorities interpret as potential security concerns, even when framed as satire.