Billie Eilish’s Grammy acceptance speech ignited a firestorm, extending far beyond the glittering ceremony itself. Her declaration of “No one is illegal on stolen land” resonated with some, but drew a pointed response from the very people whose history she invoked.
The singer’s words, delivered after winning “Song of the Year,” quickly went viral, sparking debate and criticism. She passionately called for continued activism and directly condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a statement that amplified the controversy.
Unbeknownst to many during the initial uproar, Eilish’s Los Angeles home is built on land with a deep and complex history – ancestral territory of the Tongva tribe. This fact brought a new layer of scrutiny to her remarks.
The Tongva tribe, who inhabited the Los Angeles Basin for over seven millennia, responded to Eilish’s speech with a measured, yet firm, rebuke. Their concern wasn’t necessarily with her message, but with its delivery and a critical omission.
A spokesperson for the tribe revealed they had not been contacted by Eilish regarding her property. While acknowledging the value of public figures raising awareness about the nation’s history, they expressed a desire for direct acknowledgement and specific reference to the Tongva people.
The tribe emphasized the importance of recognizing the Los Angeles Basin as continuing Gabrieleno Tongva territory. Their statement served as a subtle, yet powerful, reminder that acknowledging stolen land requires more than a fleeting phrase in a speech.
For over 7,000 years, the Tongva people thrived in the region, building a rich culture and deep connection to the land. Their enduring presence stands as a testament to a history often overlooked in contemporary discussions.
The situation highlights a complex dynamic: a celebrity using a platform to address social issues, and the indigenous community whose history is central to that discussion seeking genuine recognition and engagement.
