Australian Activist Launches Fundraiser to Occupy Billie Eilish's Mansion Following Grammy Comments
An Australian political activist has initiated a controversial fundraising campaign with the aim of moving into Billie Eilish's multi-million dollar California mansion. This move comes directly in response to the pop star's recent comments made during her acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards.
The Grammy Speech That Sparked the Campaign
During the ceremony, the 24-year-old singer, who won a Grammy for her hit song Wildflower, used her platform to make a political statement. Eilish proclaimed 'no-one is illegal on stolen land' while addressing the ongoing immigration raids occurring across the United States. She concluded her passionate speech with a pointed remark, shouting, 'And f*** ICE, that's all I'm gonna say. Sorry!' The singer was also seen wearing an 'ICE OUT' pin in protest at recent immigration enforcement actions.
Drew Pavlou's Unconventional Response
Australian political activist Drew Pavlou, aged 26, stated he was 'inspired' by Eilish's words and has now started a movement to raise enough money to fly to California. His stated intention is to move into the sprawling $3 million home. 'I honestly think it's a beautiful vision, and I would like to help bring about that as a reality,' Pavlou said in a video posted on social media platform X. 'I'd love to live there... for a couple months, rent-free.'
He outlined his plan, stating, 'Everything here is completely and totally legal, I am just going to set up a tent on her driveway and I will leave when they formally ask me to leave.' In a later update, he confirmed, 'Update: I actually bought my flights to the US for next week.' He also echoed Eilish's own phrase, writing, 'No human being is illegal on stolen land.'
The Fundraising Journey: From GoFundMe to GiveSendGo
The activist's initial fundraiser on GoFundMe managed to generate approximately $3,000 before the platform took it down. Undeterred, Pavlou moved his efforts to the alternative fundraising platform GiveSendGo. There, he successfully raised enough money to cover the cost of flights to the United States, bringing his plan one step closer to fruition.
Land Ownership and Tribal Confirmation
Following Eilish's speech, political commentators and others quickly noted that her lavish mansion is situated on land historically belonging to the Tongva tribe, the indigenous people of the greater Los Angeles Basin. When contacted, a spokesperson for the Tongva tribe confirmed to the Daily Mail that the singer's home does indeed sit on their 'ancestral land'.
'We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity regarding the recent comments made by Billie Eilish,' the spokesperson stated. 'As the First People of the greater Los Angeles basin, we do understand that her home is situated in our ancestral land.' They added that while Eilish has not contacted the tribe directly regarding her property, they value when public figures bring visibility to the true history of the country.
Broader Reactions and Commentary
The situation has sparked wider discussion and commentary. Political commentator Eric Daugherty was among those who highlighted the location of Eilish's property. On social media, he suggested, 'She could also graciously host illegal aliens in her mansion. After all, she has the moral high ground. Put up or shut the F up.'
Pavlou also spoke to Sky News Australia about his plan, reiterating his aim to 'sit outside until someone asks him to leave.' His campaign frames itself as a direct action inspired by Eilish's call for a world without borders, though its practical legality and reception remain points of significant public debate.
