While in the same room as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Billie Eilish encouraged billionaires to extend financial help to the needy amid ‘really dark’ times.
The American singer made the statement during her speech at the Wall Street Journal’s Innovator Awards on Wednesday, Oct. 29, where she was honored with the Music Innovator Award.
‘We’re in a time right now where the world is really, really bad and really dark, and people need empathy and help more than ever, especially in our country,’ she said on the stage.
‘I’d say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things and maybe give it to some people that need it,’ she continued.
The audience appeared to have nodded in agreement as they applauded and cheered for the ‘Ocean Eyes’ singer.
Eilish continued with a bold statement that alluded to the wealthy attendees at the event.
‘Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me,’ she said.
‘And if you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire?’ she added, eliciting murmurs at the venue. ‘No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties.’
During the event, it was also revealed that Eilish has raised $11.5 million through her ‘Hit Me Hard’ concert tour, which she will donate to organizations addressing food equity and climate change.
Meanwhile, Zuckerberg – who was ranked by Forbes as the fifth-richest man in the world with $228 billion estimated net worth – was present at the event to support his wife Dr. Priscilla Chan, who was also among the honorees.
Aside from Zuckerberg, American filmmaker and philanthropist George Lucas – who created the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises and reportedly has a net worth of $5.1 billion – attended the event as well.