American pop star Billie Eilish has spoken out strongly against what she described as widespread civil rights violations and violence linked to immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
The singer made the remarks while accepting the Martin Luther King Jr Beloved Community Award for Environmental Justice at a ceremony held in Atlanta. According to Rolling Stone, Eilish used the moment to reflect on the troubling state of the country and the challenges facing activists today.
Addressing the audience, she acknowledged the contradiction of being honoured for environmental justice at a time when progress feels increasingly difficult. “It’s very strange to be celebrated for working towards environmental justice at a time where it feels less achievable than ever given the state of our country and the world right now,” Billie Eilish said.
She went on to list several issues she believes are eroding safety and basic rights in the United States. “We’re seeing our neighbours being kidnapped, peaceful protesters being assaulted and murdered, our civil rights being stripped, resources to fight the climate crisis being cut for fossil fuels and animal agriculture destroying our planet, and people’s access to food and healthcare becoming a privilege for the wealthy instead of a new basic human right for all Americans.
“It’s really hard to celebrate that when we no longer feel safe in our own homes or in our streets.”
Despite the heavy tone of her speech, Billie Eilish ended on a note of optimism, expressing gratitude and inspiration from those continuing the fight for justice. “I am so inspired by all the stories and the other honorees tonight and everyone in this room, and I’m grateful to everyone and for the huge community of people who are taking action centred on Dr King’s message,” she said.
Billie Eilish also thanked her parents for shaping her values, adding, “I just want to thank my mom, both my parents, for raising me the way they did. I wouldn’t be doing any of this without you.”
This is not the first time Billie Eilish has used an award platform to address broader social issues. At the Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards in October, she challenged extreme wealth inequality, saying, “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah, give your money away.”
On the same day, it was revealed that $11.5 million (£8.6 million) from her most recent tour would be donated to various organisations, reinforcing her commitment to activism beyond words.
