Billie Eilish, the acclaimed 24-year-old singer, is confronting significant public scrutiny and demands to relinquish her $3,000,000 residence in Los Angeles. This controversy stems directly from her powerful acceptance speech at the recent Grammy Awards, where she boldly criticised United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Grammy Speech Sparks Intense Debate
While accepting her tenth Grammy award for Song of the Year, 'Wildflower,' Eilish used the global platform to deliver a pointed political message. She expressed deep frustration with the growing anti-immigration rhetoric in America, a nation she described as being built on 'stolen land.'
'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 declared during her emotional address. She concluded her remarks with the explicit statement: 'And f*** ICE, that’s all I’m gonna say. Sorry!'
Immediate Backlash and Hypocrisy Claims
While many supporters praised her courage in condemning the powerful federal agency, several political commentators and right-wing personalities quickly pushed back. Critics highlighted a perceived inconsistency, pointing out that Eilish's own luxurious home is situated on land historically belonging to indigenous peoples.
Internet personality Eric Daugherty was among the most vocal, suggesting the singer should either 'host' immigrants in her property or 'shut up' about the issue. This criticism has ignited a broader conversation about property, privilege, and historical land rights in modern America.
The Tongva Tribe and Ancestral Land
Eilish's $3 million property is located in the Los Angeles basin, which is the recognised ancestral territory of the Gabrielino/Tongva tribe. A spokesperson for the tribe confirmed to the Daily Mail that they have reached out to the singer to express appreciation for her comments bringing visibility to indigenous issues.
'We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity regarding the recent comments made by Billie Eilish,' the tribal representative stated. 'As the First People of the greater Los Angeles basin, we do understand that her home is situated in our ancestral land.'
Formal Recognition and Land Rights Struggle
The Gabrielino/Tongva tribe holds state recognition in California but lacks federal recognition, which significantly limits their rights and resources. Without federal status, the tribe cannot participate in Native American scholarship programmes or formally request land repatriation.
On their official website, the tribe asserts they have been 'wrongly deprived' of over 1.5 million acres in Los Angeles County. Interestingly, their stated goal upon achieving federal recognition is modest: to repurchase less than 0.005% of that ancestral territory.
Recording Academy Partnership and Future Dialogue
The Tongva tribe revealed they have established a significant partnership with the Recording Academy, having co-authored the official Land Acknowledgement statement used during Grammy week events. This collaboration represents a growing effort to centre indigenous voices in major cultural ceremonies.
'The Recording Academy has been an incredible partner to our tribe,' the spokesperson noted, 'and we look forward to continuing the relationship to ensure the voices of the First People of this land are heard and honoured.'
The tribe emphasised their hope that future public discussions would explicitly reference their people, ensuring broader understanding that the Los Angeles basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory. As of now, neither Eilish nor her representatives have publicly responded to the tribe's outreach or the growing calls regarding her property.
This developing situation continues to highlight the complex intersections of celebrity activism, historical justice, and contemporary property rights in the United States.
