Mark Zuckerberg appeared uncomfortable when Billie Eilish urged billionaires to “give [their] money away” during her acceptance speech at the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards.
According to a source cited by People on Thursday, the Facebook co-founder noticeably refrained from joining the audience in applauding the singer’s remarks.
“We’re in a time right now where the world is really, really bad and really dark, and people need empathy and help more than ever — especially in our country,” Eilish said while accepting the outlet’s Music Innovator Award.
Mark Zuckerberg reportedly reacted awkwardly after Billie Eilish urged billionaires to “give [their] money away.”
Billie Eilish made the pointed remark while accepting the WSJ. Magazine Music Innovator Award at the outlet’s ceremony on Wednesday.
“I’d say, if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things — maybe give it to some people that need it,” the singer said.
The 23-year-old “Birds of a Feather” hitmaker went on to address several of the wealthy figures in attendance, including Mark Zuckerberg, 41, and his wife, Priscilla Chan, as well as Hailey Bieber, George Lucas, Tory Burch, and supermodel Karlie Kloss.
“Love you all, but there’s a few people in here that have a lot more money than me,” she continued. “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah — give your money away, shorties.”
Her comments drew laughter and applause from much of the crowd — except, reportedly, from Zuckerberg.
“If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate — but yeah, give your money away, shorties,” Eilish said.
An eyewitness claimed that Zuckerberg refrained from clapping along with the rest of the audience in response to Eilish’s remarks.
A representative for Zuckerberg did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
According to Forbes, the Meta CEO is currently the third-wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of around $257 billion.
Zuckerberg’s wife, Priscilla Chan, 40, was also honored at the event, receiving WSJ. Magazine’s 2025 Philanthropy in Science Innovator Award for her work through the couple’s Chan Zuckerberg Initiative — which develops tools to help detect, prevent, and treat disease.
It’s worth noting that both Chan and Zuckerberg have previously pledged to donate 99% of their Meta shares to philanthropic causes during their lifetimes, according to Chan’s WSJ. Magazine Innovator profile.
The Facebook co-founder attended this year’s event alongside his wife, Priscilla Chan, who was honored with the outlet’s 2025 Philanthropy in Science Innovator Award.
Before taking the stage, it was revealed that Billie Eilish would be donating $11.5 million from her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour to support organizations dedicated to climate action and food equity.
Host Stephen Colbert, who introduced the singer, shared the news with the audience.
“I also have the privilege of breaking a little news tonight. Thank you, Billie, for allowing me to do this — it’s extraordinary,” Colbert, 61, said.
“Billie Eilish will be donating proceeds from her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour to support organizations, projects, and voices focused on food equity, climate justice, reducing carbon pollution, and combating the climate crisis,” he continued. “That donation, ladies and gentlemen, will be $11.5 million. That’s wonderful. Billie, on behalf of humans everywhere, thank you.”
