Finneas publicly defended his sister Billie Eilish after backlash over her 2026 Grammys speech. Standing beside her as she accepted Song of the Year for “Wildflower,” Finneas later responded on social media to critics he described as “very powerful old white men.” Eilish’s acceptance speech focused on inequality and immigration enforcement, and her comments quickly sparked strong reactions online.
During her speech, Eilish called for continued activism and referenced the phrase “No one is illegal on stolen land,” ending with a harsh criticism of ICE. Supporters praised her for speaking openly, while critics questioned her remarks and accused her of hypocrisy. Some pointed to reports that her Los Angeles home sits on land historically associated with the Tongva people.
Amid the debate, Finneas responded by criticizing those outraged by his sister’s words, referencing the broader controversy surrounding recently released Epstein-related documents. He did not name any individuals and noted that being mentioned in such files does not imply involvement in wrongdoing.
Public reactions continued to grow, with some political figures arguing that those who speak about “stolen land” should take tangible action, while others dismissed the controversy as exaggerated. Meanwhile, a Tongva tribe representative previously acknowledged that parts of Los Angeles are on their ancestral land, noting that Eilish had not contacted the tribe directly but expressing appreciation when public figures raise awareness of Indigenous history.
The situation highlights ongoing debates about celebrity activism, historical accountability, and public interpretation of political statements.