Days after calling her an idiot, Elon Musk calls Grammy winner Billie Eilish a hypocrite, but why
Elon Musk backs criticism from Billie Eilish after her Grammy speech on immigration, with opponents calling his views hypocritical given his wealth and property ownership.
What started as a statement on Grammy night has now turned into a political and cultural battle that has drawn lawmakers, commentators, and Elon Musk. Just days after previously calling Billie Eilish an “idiot” in an online exchange, the Tesla CEO has now backed down on criticism labeling the singer a hypocrite over her views on immigration and land ownership.
The flashpoint was Eilish’s acceptance speech at the 68th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night, where she won Song of the Year. Wearing an “ICE OUT” pin, the 24-year-old singer spoke out against US immigration enforcement and border policies. “Nobody is illegal on stolen land,” he said, urging people to continue protesting and raising their voices. She concluded her comments with, “And f— ICE, all I’ll say is, sorry.”
The comments went far beyond the Grammy audience. Within hours, critics began to question whether Eilish’s words matched her personal life, pointing out that she owns a multi-million dollar estate in Los Angeles. The focus rapidly shifted from immigration to ownership, privilege, and celebrity activism.
Several politicians joined the criticism on Monday. Utah Senator Mike Lee said that anyone talking publicly about “stolen land” should be prepared to give up their property to Native Americans. Minnesota State Representative Walter Hudson questioned whether such statements were meant to reject the validity of property ownership throughout the United States.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis added to the debate by suggesting that if Eilish truly believed the land was stolen, she should consider leaving her Southern California mansion. That comment drew a sharp but simple response from Elon Musk, who responded “absolutely” on X, openly taking DeSantis’ side and reinforcing the charge of hypocrisy.
Commentators and media personalities also weighed in. Some people mocked Eilish for speaking out about immigration enforcement while living behind gates, walls and private security. Others described her speech as celebrity posturing, arguing that the singer’s lifestyle was a sharp contrast to the message she delivered on stage.
The reaction on social media was equally sharp. Users sarcastically suggested showing up at his home to claim it, while others said if he really believed what he said he should donate the property to Native American tribes or immigrant families.
The US government also reacted. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin rejected Eilish’s comments and said that while celebrities were criticizing ICE during the awards show, DHS officials were busy arresting criminals, including sex offenders and child abusers.
McLaughlin said, “While Hollywood celebrities embarrassed themselves trying to spread hatred toward ICE officers at the Grammys, DHS law enforcement was hard at work arresting sex offenders, child abusers, and criminals convicted of assault in Minnesota.”