Native American Tribe Responds to Billie Eilish’s ‘Stolen Land’ Grammy Speech

Billie Eilish is facing fresh criticism after a comment she made about “stolen land” during her Grammy Awards acceptance speech — with the Native American tribe whose ancestral land includes her Malibu mansion now weighing in.

During the Grammys, Billie Eilish took the stage with her brother Finneas to accept the Song of the Year award. Both were wearing “ICE OUT” pins. While thanking supporters, the 24-year-old singer added a political message.

“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,” Eilish said. She went on to encourage people to keep protesting and speaking up, ending her remarks with an expletive aimed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The comment quickly sparked backlash online — and now the Tongva tribe, the Indigenous people of the Los Angeles Basin, have responded.

Often referred to as the “First Angelenos,” the Tongva say Eilish’s multimillion-dollar Malibu property sits on their ancestral land. In a statement, a tribal spokesperson said the singer has never contacted the tribe directly regarding her home.

“We do value moments when public figures bring attention to the real history of this country,” the spokesperson said. “However, it is our hope that in future discussions, the tribe can be explicitly referenced so the public understands that the greater Los Angeles Basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory.”

The statement stopped short of demanding action from Eilish but made clear that general land acknowledgements should include specific tribes, not broad statements.

Online reaction has been sharply divided. Some fans praised Eilish for using her platform to speak out. Others accused her of hypocrisy.

One user on X wrote that if the land is stolen, people should be allowed to live on her property. Conservative commentator Brandon Tatum mocked the singer, suggesting she should hand over her home if she truly believes in her statement.

British journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer was more blunt, calling Eilish’s comments “silly celebrity posturing.”

U.S. Senator Mike Lee also joined the debate, writing on X that anyone who publicly acknowledges living on “stolen land” should give that land back to Native Americans — or admit they do not truly believe it.

So far, Eilish has not publicly responded to the Tongva tribe’s statement or to the criticism surrounding her speech.