An Australian activist’s bold attempt to challenge a celebrity’s political statement took a dramatic turn at Los Angeles International Airport, resulting in 30 hours of detention and a swift return trip home.
Drew Pavlou publicly announced plans to “move into” Billie Eilish’s Malibu mansion following the singer’s pointed criticism of ICE during her Grammy Awards acceptance speech. Eilish had declared, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” and Pavlou decided to test the boundaries of that sentiment.
He envisioned a provocative act of “performance art,” broadcasting his intentions in a video statement. Pavlou declared he was “packing his bags” and “taking possession” of Eilish’s $6 million property, framing it as a logical consequence of her own words – if no one is illegal on stolen land, why not a guest on her lawn?
The plan, initially funded through online donations, was to camp outside the gated estate and depart only upon formal request. Pavlou insisted it was a legal demonstration, a pointed commentary on the implications of Eilish’s statement.
However, upon arrival in Los Angeles, Pavlou found himself immediately detained by immigration officials. He was subjected to hours of intense questioning, probing his intentions regarding Eilish’s property and any potential contact with the singer.
The interrogation delved into Pavlou’s past activism and a previous incident in London involving a false bomb threat – an accusation he maintains he was cleared of. Officials reportedly stated the Eilish protest was the primary reason for his detention.
While not formally banned from the United States, Pavlou was advised to secure a different type of visa, particularly given a scheduled appearance on a Texas-based program. He described the experience as a frustrating ordeal, claiming agents often found the situation amusing but were bound by protocol.
Pavlou characterized the entire episode as “funny performance art,” a misunderstood exploration of global justice. He lamented the situation, detailing the discomfort of a 30-hour detention, including a bout of food poisoning from airport food and a forced reading of dense political texts.
Adding another layer to the story, the Tongva tribe – the original inhabitants of the land where Eilish’s mansion stands – revealed they had not been contacted by the singer regarding her property. They expressed disappointment that their specific history wasn’t acknowledged in her speech.
The tribe confirmed the land is indeed ancestral territory, inhabited for over 7,000 years. Their statement served as a pointed reminder that the issue of “stolen land” is far more complex than a single celebrity declaration.
The incident sparked a wider conversation, highlighting the challenges of translating political rhetoric into tangible action and the often-unforeseen consequences of provocative statements.
