When Billie Eilish grabbed the mic at the Grammys to snag Song of the Year, she also took a swing at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), calling out the agency with a bold statement: “No one is illegal on stolen land. F— ICE is all I want to say.” The speech didn’t sit well with conservative influencer Emily Austin, who quickly shared her own take online, sparking a social media wildfire.
Austin, well-known for her presence on platforms like X, had her video response viewed over 71 million times. Speaking to Fox News, she explained her reaction: “I knew Eilish would come out with that nonsense,” Austin said, referencing the tight security at the Grammys. “It’s ironic, considering Eilish herself lives behind gates with security. Yet, she denounces those who ensure her safety.”
“In a world full of Billie Eilish’s, be like Emily Austin,” one internet user exclaimed in support.
Austin’s fiery commentary gained traction, inviting applause as well as criticism. Social media buzzed with reactions, with one user highlighting the performative nature of Eilish's speech as mere “vibes.” Meanwhile, Eilish’s brother, Finneas, jumped into the fray, defending his sister against detractors who he claims are out of touch with younger voices. “We can literally see your names in the Epstein files,” he snapped back at critics on Meta’s Threads.
Despite the backlash, Austin stands firm on her beliefs. She told the Daily Mail she remains unfazed by negative comments: “There’s a lot of hate but when you hate me for things I’ll never compromise on, then I don’t really get bothered by it. There’s so much love too.”
The controversy wasn’t limited to Austin and Eilish. Stars like Olivia Dean and Bad Bunny also criticized immigration policies, while Justin Bieber and Joni Mitchell sported “ICE OUT” pins. Austin alleged these were handed out at the Grammys’ entrance, describing it as a coordinated gesture.
Austin also praised artists who kept politics out of their performances, noting that sometimes “politics ruins it.” Praising Lady Gaga’s approach, she remarked, “Even one of the most liberal women kept it non-political.” For Austin, authenticity and awareness about the issues are key: “She lives in a $3-million mansion in Glendale with security, so if you don’t respect law enforcement, you don’t get to reap the benefits when it’s convenient.”
At the end of the day, Austin’s strong stance and willingness to speak out ensure she remains a prominent voice among her supporters, even as the debate over immigration and celebrity activism continues to blaze on.