Finneas pushes back against critics after Billie Eilish’s anti-ICE Grammy speech

5 February 2026

Finneas O'Connell and Billie Eilish at the 68th Grammy Awards on Feb. 1, 2026 Kevin Winter/Getty

In the wake of his sister Billie Eilish’s politically charged acceptance speech at the 2026 Grammy Awards, her brother and longtime creative partner Finneas has publicly defended her against a wave of backlash, stepping into a debate that stretches beyond music into the fraught territory of celebrity activism, immigration policy, and generational divides.

The siblings had just accepted one of the evening’s most prestigious honors, the Song of the Year trophy for Wildflower, when Billie used her moment onstage to voice a passionate critique of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, declaring that “no one is illegal on stolen land” while calling for protest and resistance against what she sees as unjust enforcement practices. That statement rapidly triggered a broader cultural conversation, with critics assailing her remarks and supporters applauding her courage, and in the midst of it Finneas leapt to her defense with a stark message aimed at those who were attacking her.

Finneas took to social media days after the ceremony to address what he described as “outrage” from commentators, particularly targeting what he called “very powerful old white men” who had objected to Billie’s remarks. In his message he did not hold back, suggesting that some of her harshest critics could be found in controversial circles and even referencing the Epstein files as a way to underscore his point about entrenched elite networks resisting youthful calls for change. The post was striking for its blunt tone and personal nature, reflecting not only his support for his sister’s right to speak her truth but also a broader frustration with critics who dismiss celebrity voices on political matters.

The controversy began on Grammy night when Billie and Finneas both wore pins emblazoned with “ICE OUT” on the red carpet, a visual signifier of their opposition to policies and tactics associated with the federal immigration-enforcement agency. Billlie’s acceptance speech, delivered with characteristic directness, included a plea for activism and solidarity with marginalized communities, as well as encouragement for people to “keep fighting, speaking up and protesting.” Her remarks were greeted with applause from many in the audience and supporters online, but they also ignited fierce criticism from others who argued that entertainers should stick to their art and avoid politicizing an awards show platform.

This clash of responses underscored the broader cultural moment in which celebrity statements about social and political issues are increasingly scrutinized and contested. Some commentators framed Billie’s speech as inappropriate or misinformed, particularly focusing on her reference to “stolen land” and pointing to the irony of her own wealth and Los Angeles home being situated on land historically inhabited by Indigenous peoples. Others painted her message as a poignant call for justice and compassion in a time when immigrants and immigrant communities are under intense strain due to national policy debates and enforcement actions. The Tongva tribe, whose ancestral territory includes Los Angeles, publicly acknowledged her visibility on the issue while also urging more explicit recognition of their heritage in future discussions.

Across social platforms and media outlets, the reaction to Billie’s speech revealed sharp divides. Some praised her willingness to leverage one of the most visible stages in music for advocacy, while others viewed her comments as divisive or misguided. Finneas’s fiery defense of his sister intensified the conversation, drawing clear lines between supporters of their stance and detractors who saw the Grammys as an inappropriate venue for political statements. His critique of older critics and the cultural power structures they represent was itself a reflection of deeper generational tensions that often emerge when young artists push back against entrenched norms and expectations.

Amid the controversy, other artists at the awards also used their time in the spotlight to address immigration and social justice issues. Performers and winners such as Bad Bunny and Kehlani echoed themes of humanity and resistance, speaking directly about the need for empathy and understanding in the face of policies and rhetoric they view as harmful. Even artists who chose not to make political remarks publicly acknowledged the charged atmosphere and the role that music and performance can play in amplifying cultural conversations.

Finneas’s defense of Billie was not only a personal gesture but part of a wider pattern in which artists and their allies push back against efforts to limit or criticize their voices when they engage with political issues. In recent years, the line between entertainment and activism has become increasingly blurred, with many performers embracing platforms to highlight causes and concerns beyond their creative work. The tension between those who champion this expanded role for artists and those who believe entertainment should remain separate from political discourse continues to animate debates in media and culture.

The dialogue sparked by Billie Eilish’s Grammy speech and her brother’s subsequent intervention highlights how celebrity influence intersects with pressing social issues in a highly connected media landscape. Whether one agrees with the substance of her remarks or not, the episode has undeniably ignited robust discussion about immigration enforcement, Indigenous land acknowledgment, generational divides, and the responsibilities of public figures in shaping cultural narratives. As the debate evolves, both Billie and Finneas have signaled their commitment to continuing to use their voices and platforms as tools for both artistic expression and civic engagement.