Kevin O'Leary Issues Stern Warning to Celebrities Following Billie Eilish's Grammys Controversy
Canadian businessman and Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary has delivered a blunt message to celebrities in the wake of Billie Eilish's politically charged acceptance speech at the 68th Grammy Awards. Appearing on Fox News' America Reports, O'Leary suggested that entertainers should stick to their craft rather than venturing into political commentary.
The 'Mr. Wonderful' Perspective on Celebrity Activism
During his television appearance, O'Leary responded to questions about Eilish's acceptance speech where the singer declared "no one is illegal on stolen land" before adding an expletive-laden criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Ottawa-born entrepreneur argued that celebrities risk alienating significant portions of their audience when they engage in political discourse.
"Half the people in politics that you piss off won't buy your music anymore," O'Leary declared during the interview. "Don't be stupid about it, but hey, they don't listen."
O'Leary's comments echo similar sentiments expressed by comedian Ricky Gervais, who has repeatedly urged Hollywood stars to refrain from political commentary during award ceremonies. Gervais recently took to social media platform X to note that celebrities "are still not listening" to such advice.
The Tongva Tribe's Response to Eilish's Remarks
Eilish's comments about "stolen land" took on additional complexity when the Tongva tribe of Southern California issued a statement regarding the singer's remarks. The Indigenous tribe, whose ancestral territory includes the land where Eilish's multi-million dollar mansion sits, acknowledged the visibility her comments brought to Indigenous issues while noting she hadn't contacted them directly.
A Tongva spokesperson stated: "We do value the instance when Public Figures provide visibility to the true history of this country." The tribe added that they had reached out to Eilish's team to express appreciation for her comments while hoping for more explicit tribal references in future discussions.
O'Leary's Advice for Celebrities Navigating Political Waters
The businessman, known for his "Mr. Wonderful" persona on Shark Tank, offered straightforward advice for celebrities considering political statements: "It's the first lesson 101 for celebrity, as you rise up, whether you're a film star, music star, whatever, shut your mouth and just entertain."
O'Leary emphasized the importance of research before making public statements, particularly noting: "I feel sorry for celebrities that wander into this kind of thing without doing at least the basic AI search." He suggested that Eilish "got torched" for her comments but acknowledged that proper preparation could help avoid such situations.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about the role of celebrities in political discourse and the potential business consequences of taking public stands on divisive issues. As award season continues, O'Leary's comments serve as a reminder of the delicate balance entertainers must navigate between artistic expression, political activism, and commercial considerations in today's polarized climate.
