Native tribe that own the land under Billie Eilish’s mansion responds to her comments
Billie Eilish’s remarks at the 68th Grammy Awards have sparked ongoing debate, particularly concerning her statement, “no one is illegal on stolen land,” and her criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The comments, made during her Song of the Year acceptance speech, referenced the history of colonization. They drew both praise for raising awareness and criticism regarding her personal wealth, including a Los Angeles home built on ancestral Indigenous land.
The Gabrieleno Tongva tribe, whose territory includes Los Angeles, responded to the controversy. A spokesperson acknowledged Eilish’s home is on their ancestral land and appreciated the visibility for Indigenous history.
The tribe noted she had not contacted them directly but expressed hope future discussions would explicitly reference the Tongva to educate the public about the region’s origins.
The speech intensified online commentary, with some critics suggesting Eilish should return her property to the tribe or house undocumented migrants. Several conservative figures echoed calls for action or dismissed the “stolen land” concept.
Eilish has previously criticized ICE, and her comments intersected with ongoing national debates over immigration policy and enforcement actions.
The situation highlights tensions between celebrity activism, historical accountability, and personal property. The Tongva tribe’s measured response adds nuance, advocating for explicit acknowledgment while the broader discussion continues about the practical implications of such statements.
