Tongva Tribe Seeks Explicit Recognition After Billie Eilish's Grammys Speech
The Native American Tongva tribe, whose ancestral territory includes the land under Billie Eilish's Malibu mansion, has issued a direct message to the singer following her controversial "stolen land" remarks during the 68th Grammy Awards. Eilish made the statement while accepting the Song of the Year award with her brother Finneas, wearing "ICE OUT" pins and declaring, "No one is illegal on stolen land," before adding expletives directed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Tribal Response Calls for Specific Acknowledgement
In response to the widespread attention generated by Eilish's speech, the Tongva tribe—historically known as the "First Angelenos" of the Los Angeles Basin—expressed appreciation for public figures who bring visibility to Indigenous history but emphasized the need for explicit tribal references. A Tongva spokesperson told the Daily Mail that while Eilish has not contacted the tribe directly about her property, they hope future discussions will "explicitly" mention the tribe to educate the public that the Los Angeles Basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory.
The spokesperson stated, "We do value the instance when public figures provide visibility to the true history of this country. It is our hope that in future discussions, the tribe can explicitly be referenced to ensure the public understands that the greater Los Angeles Basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory." This call for specificity highlights ongoing Indigenous efforts to combat historical erasure and promote accurate cultural recognition.
Mixed Reactions and Broader Controversy
Eilish's comments sparked a polarized reaction across social media and political circles. Some fans praised her for using her platform to advocate for social justice, while critics accused her of hypocrisy, given her ownership of a multimillion-dollar home on the very land she described as stolen. Notable figures like political commentator Brandon Tatum and British journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer mocked the singer, with Tatum suggesting she "hand over the keys" to a tribe or migrant family if she genuinely believes the land is stolen.
U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah added to the criticism, posting on X that any white person making such acknowledgments should immediately give their land to Native Americans to demonstrate sincerity. The incident has ignited broader debates about celebrity activism, land rights, and the complexities of Indigenous sovereignty in modern contexts.
Context of Celebrity Activism and Indigenous Issues
This event is part of a larger trend of celebrities engaging with political and social issues, often drawing both support and backlash. Eilish's speech echoes previous instances, such as Bruce Springsteen's protest songs and Mark Ruffalo's comments at the Golden Globes, highlighting how public figures navigate contentious topics like immigration and Indigenous rights. The Tongva tribe's response underscores the importance of moving beyond symbolic gestures to foster meaningful dialogue and action regarding historical injustices.
As discussions continue, the tribe's message serves as a reminder of the enduring presence and rights of Indigenous communities, urging a more informed and respectful approach to land acknowledgments in public discourse.
