‘We are here!’: Tongva tribe reacts to Billie Eilish’s ‘stolen land’ Grammy speech

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Billie Eilish sparked major controversy at the Grammys after she claimed that “no one is illegal on stolen land” during her acceptance speech.

The Tongva tribe, the native people of Los Angeles, have since responded by confirming that Eilish’s own home is built on their historical territory.

Tongva tribe responds to Billie Eilish remarks

A spokesperson for the Tongva tribe spoke with the Daily Mail to clarify the history of the area where Eilish lives.

The tribe stated, “We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity regarding the recent comments made by Eilish. As the First People of the greater Los Angeles basin, we do understand that her home is situated in our ancestral land."

Even though the singer lives on their land, the spokesperson said, “Eilish has not contacted our tribe directly regarding her property, we do value the instance when Public Figures provide visibility to the true history of this country.”

Tongva tribe seeks explicit recognition from Billie Eilish

The tribe has reportedly reached out to Eilish’s team to thank her for the shout-out but said they hope for more specific mentions of their name in the future.

They explained, “It is our hope that in future discussions, the tribe can explicitly be referenced to ensure the public understands that the greater Los Angeles basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory.”

They also noted that they already work with the music industry, having “partnered closely with the Recording Academy to author the official Land Acknowledgment statement shared during Grammy week and at the Premiere Ceremony.”

The spokesperson concluded by saying, “The Recording Academy has been an incredible partner to our tribe, and we look forward to continuing the relationship to ensure the voices of the First People of this land are heard and honored. Ekwa Shem- We are here!”

Billie Eilish makes a viral statement

While accepting the Song of the Year award, Billie Eilish took a moment to speak out against federal immigration enforcement and highlight Indigenous history.

She told the audience, “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 ... F*** ICE.”

After the show, a conservative journalist named Eric Daugherty pointed out that the singer’s house is located on land that originally belonged to the Tongva people, leading the tribe to address the situation directly.