Billie Eilish Declares ‘No One Is Illegal’ Amid Growing Criticism, Remains Silent
Recently, Drew Pavlou, a 25-year-old Australian political activist, faced deportation from the United States after a controversial joke related to Billie Eilish’s mansion. Pavlou is recognized for his protests against the Chinese government and has previously run for a seat in the Australian Senate. His recent tweet about living in Eilish’s Malibu property garnered massive attention, reaching ten million views.
Billie Eilish’s Controversial Statement
During a Grammy acceptance speech, Billie Eilish declared, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” while expressing her disapproval of ICE. This statement sparked a flurry of reactions, prompting individuals to joke about claiming her multimillion-dollar mansion for themselves.
Drew Pavlou’s Attempt
- Pavlou announced his intention to move into Eilish’s Malibu home on social media.
- He started a GoFundMe campaign, which raised $3,000 before being removed.
- Pivoting to GiveSendGo, he booked a flight and successfully traveled to Los Angeles.
Detained at LAX
Pavlou’s journey met an abrupt halt at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). He claims he was held for over 30 hours by customs officials who questioned him about his tweet. Despite asserting he was joking, they expressed concern over his intentions.
Impact of Eilish’s Words
Amidst his detention, Pavlou alleged that Eilish’s legal team may have alerted immigration authorities. However, this remains unverified. His experience, which included food poisoning and reading while in detention, gained significant traction online.
The Broader Conversation
Pavlou was not the only one responding to Eilish’s statement. Many raised concerns regarding her mansion, which is situated on land belonging to the Tongva tribe— the Indigenous people of the Los Angeles area. A spokesperson for the tribe stated that Eilish has not contacted them about her property, contradicting their claim to the land.
Legal Responses and Public Reactions
- Sinai Law Firm publicly offered to evict Eilish pro bono on behalf of the Tongva, which was later confirmed to be a satirical comment.
- Multiple public figures voiced their opinions, showcasing a divided response across political lines.
Eilish’s Silence
Since her original statement, Eilish has refrained from making further comments on the matter. While her brother Finneas addressed the outrage directed at her, Billie herself has not clarified her position on whether her statement applies to individuals like Pavlou or the Tongva tribe.
Conclusion
This controversy highlights the complexity of discussions surrounding land ownership and the implications of public statements. As the narrative unfolds, the silence from Eilish adds another layer of intrigue to a rapidly evolving situation.
