RM Mark Zuckerberg’s Awkward Response After Billie Eilish Calls Out Billionaires at Star-Studded Event
He definitely wasn’t happier than ever.
Mark Zuckerberg reportedly stayed silent and didn’t join in the applause after Billie Eilish took a jab at the billionaire elite during her acceptance speech at the Wall Street Journal Magazine Innovator Awards on Wednesday night.
While accepting the Music Innovator Award, the 23-year-old “Bad Guy” singer addressed the crowd:
“We’re living in a time right now where the world feels really dark, and people need kindness and support more than ever — especially here in our country,” she said.
Eilish continued, encouraging those with wealth to take action:
“If you have money, it would be amazing to use it for good — maybe help out people who actually need it.”
The Grammy and Oscar winner didn’t shy away from addressing the ultra-wealthy audience inside New York City’s Museum of Modern Art.
“Love you all,” she added, “but there are definitely a few people here tonight who have a lot more money than me.”
Finally, she ended with a sharp question:
“If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah — give your money away, shorties.”
Eilish’s comments reportedly drew laughter and applause from much of the audience — though one notable guest wasn’t amused.
According to an attendee who spoke with People, Mark Zuckerberg did not clap following her remarks.
The Meta founder, 41, currently ranks as the third-richest person in the world with an estimated fortune of $257 billion, according to Forbes. Zuckerberg attended the event to support his wife, Priscilla Chan, who was being honored as a 2025 WSJ Magazine Innovator for her philanthropic work.
Chan, 40, was recognized for her leadership at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the charitable foundation the couple launched in 2015 to tackle major global issues such as disease prevention and education.
A recent WSJ profile on Chan highlighted that she and Zuckerberg have pledged to give away 99% of their Meta shares over their lifetimes to fund their organization’s mission.
Eilish, meanwhile, backed up her words with action. Shortly before her speech, she made a massive charitable donation herself.
Host Stephen Colbert, 61, revealed during the ceremony that Eilish would be donating $11.5 million from her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour proceeds to various causes.
“I have the privilege of sharing some exciting news tonight,” Colbert announced. “Billie Eilish will be donating proceeds from her tour to support organizations dedicated to food equity, climate justice, and reducing carbon pollution. On behalf of humanity — thank you, Billie.”
The annual WSJ Magazine Innovator Awards celebrate trailblazers across industries such as fashion, art, film, beauty, philanthropy, and music.
Alongside Eilish and the Zuckerbergs, this year’s glamorous gathering featured attendees like George Lucas, Tory Burch, Chris Rock, Hailey Bieber, Ben Stiller, and Karlie Kloss.
