The Facebook co-founder, attending the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards, found himself listening to none other than Billie Eilish asking the question on everyone’s mind: “Why are you a billionaire?”
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Mark Zuckerberg had a front-row seat for a moment that had the internet buzzing. And he probably did not expect to be part of it. The Facebook co-founder, attending the WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards with his wife Priscilla Chan, found himself listening to none other than Billie Eilish asking the question on everyone’s mind: “Why are you a billionaire?”
The Grammy-winning singer was being celebrated for her music. But she used her time on stage to deliver more than just an acceptance speech. Billie decided to mix awards glamour with a splash of social commentary.
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“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, kind of, ever. Especially in our country,” Billie said. “And 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.”
Then came the zinger. She acknowledged the room full of wealthy attendees. “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? No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties.”
Eyewitnesses told ‘People’ that Zuckerberg didn’t clap along with the rest of the audience, quietly absorbing the moment.
The singer didn’t stop at words. Before her speech, host Stephen Colbert revealed that Billie would donate $11.5 million from her ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour’ to causes close to her heart. The funds will go toward food equity, climate justice, reducing carbon pollution and combating climate change. “That donation, ladies and gentlemen, will be $11.5 million. That’s wonderful. Billie, on behalf of humans everywhere, thank you,” Colbert said.
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