Kevin O’Leary, best known as a star of “Shark Tank,” faced backlash from several celebrities, notably Mark Ruffalo, following his criticism of Billie Eilish’s recent comments on immigration during the Grammy Awards. Eilish, accepting the award for Song of the Year, used her platform to advocate for immigrant rights and boldly declared, “No one is illegal on stolen land” while expressing her disdain for ICE.
O’Leary, during a Fox News appearance, condemned artists who incorporate political messages into their work, suggesting that doing so risks alienating a portion of their audience. He stated, “Half the people in politics that you piss off won’t buy your music anymore,” and advised celebrities to remain focused on their art rather than engage in political discourse.
In response, Mark Ruffalo fiercely defended Eilish on social media, challenging O’Leary’s perspective and highlighting what he perceives as a hypocritical double standard. Ruffalo wrote, “It’s hilarious… you will dig into a real artist that dwarfs anything you dream of doing for actually saying something that resonates with 100’s of millions of people.” His comments were met with widespread support from fans and fellow celebrities, including comedian Kathy Griffin, who applauded Ruffalo for his stance.
Additionally, Eilish’s brother, Finneas, joined the chorus of support, taking to Instagram to express his dismay over the backlash his sister received, stating, “Seeing a lot of very powerful old white men outraged about what my 24-year-old sister said.” He further commented on the criticism by alluding to public figures associated with controversial pasts.
In her Grammy acceptance speech, Eilish emphasized the importance of hopefulness amidst challenging societal issues, declaring, “It’s just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now, and I feel really hopeful in this room.” Her message resonates with many in the ongoing conversation about representation and activism in art.
O’Leary’s controversial remarks have ignited a wider debate on the role of celebrities in political discourse, with many arguing that using their platforms to advocate for justice is vital in today’s socio-political climate. The response to his comments showcases how prominent figures can mobilize support for causes they believe in, encouraging continued public dialogue on pressing issues.