Billie Eilish, Stolen Land, and the Tongva Response
When Billie Eilish stepped up to accept her Grammy, few anticipated the ripple her words would create. Her brief, pointed statement about “stolen land” was intended to raise awareness, but behind the applause and social media chatter lingered a question:
had she truly considered the history beneath her own property? Within hours, discussions ignited—not just online, but with voices from the land itself—voices belonging to the Tongva people, whose ancestral territory now hosts her Los Angeles mansion.
The Tongva tribe, the Native American group whose ancestral lands include Eilish’s Los Angeles residence, responded after the singer referenced “stolen land” during her Grammy acceptance speech. On February 1, Eilish, 24, accepted the Song of the Year award for Wildflower, using the moment to address immigration, declaring, “No one is illegal on stolen land.”
Her remarks quickly divided public opinion. Some celebrated her advocacy, while others criticized the statement, noting that her Los Angeles home sits on land historically tied to the Tongva people.
A Tongva spokesperson acknowledged the increased attention to Indigenous history but clarified that Eilish had not reached out to the tribe prior to her comments. The representative emphasized the importance of recognizing the Gabrieleno Tongva people in conversations about the Los Angeles region and confirmed that the tribe had contacted Eilish’s team to express appreciation for raising awareness about their history.
The situation sparked a broader online debate. Critics suggested that Eilish’s words should be accompanied by tangible support for Indigenous rights, while supporters argued that her Grammy speech was a positive step in raising consciousness. Many noted her long-term engagement with social justice and immigration issues as evidence of genuine advocacy.
Eilish’s remarks are part of a wider national dialogue surrounding celebrity influence, land rights, and the responsibility of those with platforms to spotlight historical and social issues.
Conclusion
Billie Eilish’s Grammy speech underscores the power of public figures to ignite discussions about history and justice. While critics questioned the connection between her activism and her property, the Tongva tribe’s response demonstrates openness to dialogue and recognition. The episode serves as a reminder that words carry weight—especially when they touch on complex histories of land, culture, and justice. As the Tongva spokesperson noted, awareness is the first step toward meaningful understanding and action.