Bill Maher relaunched the controversy over “Real Time” after strongly criticizing Billie EilishGrammys remarks on immigration and ‘stolen land.’
The talk show host accused the singer of performative activism and superficial political messages, saying she didn’t “know the facts.”
Bill Maher questioned the logic and practical implications of Billie Eilish’s statements, comparing them to protest slogans that he says ignore historical and political realities.
Article continues below advertisement
Bill Maher questions Billie Eilish’s political remarks and questions her understanding of history
Maher used a recent episode of his show “Real Time” to criticize Eilish over comments she made during her Grammys acceptance speech, accusing the singer of engaging in performative activism.
On the HBO show, the comedian mocked the singer’s statement that “there are no illegal people on stolen land”, before responding: “‘It’s hard to know what to say.’
Maher suggested that if Eilish was unsure of her understanding of the issue, she should have avoided commenting altogether. He questioned her understanding of history and politics, adding a remark about her homeschooling.
“Which I wouldn’t say. So don’t say anything – because you don’t know anything. So you didn’t go to school, I don’t think. And you don’t know the facts,” Maher noted.
Article continues below advertisement
He also challenged the logic of his argument, questioning what concrete outcome such a belief would lead to.
“What is the next practical step if you say there are no illegal people on stolen land?” Maher asked sarcastically. “Do we just go back to living in teepees?”
He also compared Eilish’s remarks to the slogan “From the river to the sea”, arguing that such rhetoric ignores political and historical realities. Maher stressed that neither Angelenos nor Israelis will abandon their homes because of protest chants or celebrity speeches.
“The people of Los Angeles will not move, and neither will all the Israelis in Gaza,” Maher said, according to the newspaper. New York Post.
Article continues below advertisement
Billie Eilish’s Anti-ICE Speech Sparks Debate About Indigenous Lands and Activism
Eilish, who won song of the year for “Wildflower” at the Feb. 1 Grammys ceremony, was among many artists who used the awards show to criticize President Donald Trump and ICE.
During her speech, the 24-year-old urged the audience to “keep fighting, speaking out and protesting,” ending her remarks with a blunt “f-ck ICE.”
After the awards show, Eilish became the center of further controversy when reports resurfaced that her $3 million Los Angeles-area home sits on land historically linked to the Tongva people.
Critics accused the singer of hypocrisy, arguing that her statements would carry more weight if she renounced the property or used it to directly support migrants.
Article continues below advertisement
The Tongva tribe responded to the singer’s remarks
As reported The explosiona spokesperson for the Tongva tribe confirmed that Eilish’s residence in Glendale is located on their ancestral territory.
Although the singer did not contact the tribe directly, the spokesperson noted his appreciation for its public advocacy and stressed the importance of clearly naming specific indigenous groups tied to the land whenever such a grandiose statement is made.
The Tongva Tribe representative said, “We hope that in future discussions the tribe can be explicitly referenced to ensure the public understands that the Greater Los Angeles Basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory. »
Article continues below advertisement
Billie Eilish’s uncle, former Congressman Brian Baird, pushes back against backlash and hypocrisy claims
Amid the backlash, Eilish has since received vocal support from her family. His uncle, former U.S. Congressman Brian Baird, criticized people demanding that the “Bad Guy” singer give up his house, calling such arguments “disingenuous.”
According to the Daily Mailthe politician highlighted the family’s long history of support for immigrant communities, saying, “Our family has done a lot for the immigrant community and their cause.”
Baird, who represented Washington’s Third Congressional District and previously worked as a psychologist, also condemned ICE’s enforcement practices, saying they led to serious harm to civilians.
Although he declined to say whether the controversy had personally affected Eilish, Baird confirmed that the family had remained in close contact throughout the criticism.
Article continues below advertisement
Singer Condemns Civil Rights Violations During MLK Awards Speech
The Grammy Awards controversy comes amid Eilish’s broader philanthropic and activist work.
Last year, she donated $11.5 million from her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour to causes fighting climate change and food insecurity.
She was also honored at the 2026 MLK Jr. Beloved Community Awards in Atlanta with an environmental justice award.
During that ceremony, Eilish expressed concern about receiving praise amid ongoing political and social unrest, saying it “felt very strange to be celebrated for working toward environmental justice at a time when that seems less achievable than ever, given the current state of our country and the world.”
“The Because I Am” singer also referenced the recent death of Minnesota resident Renee Good during an encounter with ICE, condemning what she described as an escalating abuse of power against civilians and protesters.
“We see our neighbors being kidnapped, peaceful protesters being assaulted and murdered, our civil rights being stripped away,” she said at the time.
Although Eilish continues to receive criticism for her recent “stolen land” comment, she has yet to directly respond to the backlash. But the singer was recently spotted tense while walking with her dog.
