Tesla founder Elon Musk has launched a scathing attack on pop superstar Billie Eilish, describing her as "not the sharpest tool in the shed" after she criticised his approach to wealth distribution.
The billionaire backlash begins
The confrontation began when the 23-year-old singer used her Instagram platform to repost content from activist group My Voice, My Choice, which highlighted how Musk could potentially use his fortune. The post appeared as news emerged that Musk is on track to become the world's first trillionaire thanks to Tesla's new compensation plan.
Eilish didn't hold back in her assessment, branding the 54-year-old tech mogul a "pathetic p***y b**** coward" for allegedly hoarding wealth instead of addressing pressing global issues. The activist material she shared suggested Musk could end world hunger by 2030 with $40 billion annual contributions or save all critically endangered species for up to $2 billion each year.
Eilish's broader campaign for billionaire philanthropy
This isn't the first time the "Birds of a Feather" singer has spoken out about wealth inequality. During the WSJ Magazine 2025 Innovator Awards on October 29, Eilish made pointed remarks about billionaire responsibility with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in attendance.
"If you're a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties," she told the star-studded audience, prompting laughter and applause. She emphasised that "people need empathy and help more than ever" in these dark times.
Eilish has backed her words with action, recently announcing she's donating $11.5 million from her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour to charities fighting climate change.
Musk's philanthropic approach under scrutiny
The controversy has drawn attention to Musk's charitable giving methods. His philanthropy primarily flows through the Musk Foundation, which directs funds back to his own institutions. This structure has faced criticism from those who believe billionaires should support established charitable organisations more directly.
Neither Musk nor Eilish responded immediately to The Independent's request for comment about the Tesla founder's insult, leaving the public exchange without official reconciliation. The clash represents growing public scrutiny of ultra-wealthy individuals and their social responsibilities during times of global crisis.
