Billie Eilish Under Fire for Calling US 'Stolen Land' As Mansion Allegedly Built on Tongva Tribe-Owned Land

Singer Billie Eilish is facing harsh backlash from social media users for her latest Grammys speech, denouncing ICE. Critics who criticised Eilish, who compared the US to 'stolen land', pointed out how her multi-million-dollar mansion in Los Angeles is allegedly built on land owned by a Native American tribe.

At the latest Grammy Awards on Sunday, Eilish won Song of the Year for 'Wildflower' from her third album, 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'. During her speech, Eilish took a moment to denounce ICE, along with wearing a pin that said 'ICE OUT'. The singer joined the numerous celebrities who have condemned the ongoing presence of ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minnesota, where two people were already fatally shot by the federal agents, leading to protests that have rocked the state.

What Eilish Said

'I feel so honoured every time I get to be in this room. 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,' said Eilish. 'And yeah, it's just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now, and I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter, and f*** ICE.'

Social Media Backlash

Eilish's condemnation of ICE as well as making the comparison of the US being 'stolen land' did not sit well with some users. User The Patriot Oasis in a post on X pointed out how Eilish, despite condemning ICE, resides in a multi-million-dollar mansion in Los Angeles. They claimed that the mansion was allegedly built on the ancestral land of the Tongva Nation.

'Think she has any plans of returning it?' said the user.

'I am done with sanctimony from celebrities. Billie Eilish denounces stolen land while owning properties on (former) Tongva territory, including a ranch now worth millions. If she is serious, deed it back and live modestly. She won't' said another netizen. 'It is virtue, lecturing the public while profiting from the system she condemns.'

Response from Indigenous Community

The Tongva tribe that critics have alleged has deep historical ties to Los Angeles. However, they are not recognised by the federal government, as per the American Heritage Commission. The members of the tribe reside in what is now referred to as the Greater Los Angeles Basin, which includes Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

Speaking to Newsweek, the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians commented on the allegations regarding the land where Eilish is residing.

'We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity regarding the recent comments made by Billie Eilish,' the organisation said. 'As the First People of the greater Los Angeles Basin, we do understand that her home is situated in our ancestral land.'

They noted that whilst 'Eilish has not contacted our tribe directly regarding her property', they 'value the instances when public figures provide visibility to the true history of this country'.

They have also said that they have reached out to Eilish's team to commend her for her comments. 'It is our hope that in future discussions, the tribe can explicitly be referenced to ensure the public understands that the greater Los Angeles basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory', the organisation added.