Australian Activist Insists Billie Eilish Triggered His US Deportation
An Australian activist has publicly contested the Trump administration's explanation for his recent deportation from the United States, asserting that pop star Billie Eilish was directly responsible for his removal. Drew Pavlou, 24, was detained at Los Angeles International Airport and subsequently sent back to Australia, with officials citing an incorrect visa as the reason. However, Pavlou maintains that his deportation stemmed from his online declaration to "occupy" Eilish's California mansion, a statement made in response to her pro-immigration remarks at the Grammy Awards.
Conflicting Accounts from Authorities and Activist
US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has firmly denied any connection between Pavlou's admissibility and external reports concerning Billie Eilish. A CBP spokesperson told The Daily Mail that claims linking the deportation to Eilish were false, emphasizing that the decision was based on immigration regulations. Despite this official stance, Pavlou expressed skepticism, telling the same publication, "I do not believe it." He highlighted that he had visited the US just weeks prior without issue, including meetings with State Department employees and a tour of the Capitol building in Washington.
Pavlou elaborated on his theory, suggesting that Eilish's legal team may have contacted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to flag him as a security threat. "Billie Eilish got me deported from the US - I think her legal team contacted DHS," he claimed. This allegation arose after he was reportedly flagged at the border and accused of plotting to bomb Chinese government facilities, a charge he dismissed as nonsensical given his recent diplomatic engagements.
Grammy Speech Sparks Controversial Protest Plan
The controversy traces back to Billie Eilish's Grammy acceptance speech on February 1, where the 24-year-old singer made a pointed statement on immigration. She declared, "no one is illegal on stolen land," referencing the colonization of North America, and added, "And f*** ICE, that's all I'm gonna say. Sorry!" Her comments drew widespread criticism, particularly because her multi-million-dollar mansion in Glendale, California, sits on land historically belonging to the Tongva tribe.
Inspired by Eilish's words, Pavlou announced a "performance art" project to test her assertion by camping outside her gated property. He set up fundraisers on platforms like GoFundMe and GiveSendGo, raising thousands of dollars to travel to the US and establish a tent on her driveway. Pavlou insisted his plan was legal, stating he would leave only if formally asked. However, upon arrival at LAX, border officials questioned him about his intentions regarding Eilish's property, to which he replied that his online posts were merely jokes.
Deportation Details and Aftermath
Pavlou described spending over 30 hours in immigration detention, where agents reportedly laughed at his explanation but ultimately denied him entry due to visa issues. He was told he should have applied for a business visa, as he was scheduled to appear on Stephen Crowder's show in Texas. Although not banned from the US, he was instructed to reapply with the correct documentation. Reflecting on the ordeal, Pavlou lamented the financial loss, noting that the stunt cost him and his supporters thousands in wasted airline fees.
The activist's claims have ignited debate over free speech, immigration enforcement, and celebrity influence. While CBP maintains its decision was routine, Pavlou's insistence on a link to Eilish underscores the tensions surrounding immigration policies in the US. The Daily Mail has reached out to Eilish's representatives for comment, but no response has been provided yet. As the story develops, it highlights the complex interplay between public statements, activism, and border security in today's polarized climate.
