The fallout from Billie Eilish’s Grammy’s speech continues, escalating with a pointed rebuke from actor Mark Ruffalo directed at Kevin O’Leary. The exchange, playing out on social media, underscores the growing tension between artistic expression and perceived responsibility when addressing political issues on a public stage.
The initial spark came after Eilish, accepting the award for Song of the Year on , used her platform to voice support for ongoing protests against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). She stated, “no one is illegal on stolen land,” a sentiment that drew immediate criticism from some corners, including O’Leary.
O’Leary, known for his role as a “Shark” on the television show Shark Tank and his often-controversial opinions, reportedly suggested Eilish should “shut your mouth and just entertain.” This comment, as reported by multiple outlets, quickly ignited a response from within the entertainment industry.
Ruffalo, a vocal advocate for progressive causes and known for his outspokenness on social media, didn’t hesitate to address O’Leary directly. In a post on Threads, Ruffalo told O’Leary to “STFU,” a deliberately blunt statement that quickly circulated online. He went on to accuse O’Leary of hypocrisy, pointing out the businessman’s frequent willingness to offer opinions on a wide range of topics while seemingly objecting to Eilish using her voice for political commentary.
“You will go on any show and talk sh-t about any number of things and smugly expect us to listen to you, but you will dig into a real artist that dwarfs anything you dream of doing for actually saying something that resonates with 100’s of millions of people the world over,” Ruffalo wrote. He further emphasized what he perceived as a double standard, adding, “It’s astounding the fantasy double standard Kevin O’Leary lives in.”
Ruffalo’s critique didn’t stop there. He referenced O’Leary’s role in the 2026 film Marty Supreme, stating, “You played yourself well in Marty Supreme.” This is a pointed reference to O’Leary’s portrayal of Milton Rockwell, a ruthless and unsympathetic character in the film, suggesting a parallel between the on-screen persona and O’Leary’s current behavior.
The exchange highlights a broader debate about the role of celebrities in political discourse. While some argue that public figures should use their platforms to raise awareness and advocate for change, others believe they should remain focused on their artistic endeavors and avoid potentially alienating fans with political statements. O’Leary, in a separate appearance on Fox News, reportedly warned Eilish that taking political stances could negatively impact her music sales, stating, “Half the people in politics that you piss off won’t buy your music anymore.”
Ruffalo is not alone in defending Eilish. Her brother and producer, Finneas O’Connell, also weighed in on Threads, criticizing what he described as outrage from “very powerful old white men” over his sister’s comments. He also alluded to the names appearing in the Epstein files, a veiled accusation that added another layer to the controversy.
Beyond Eilish, several other artists used the Grammy stage to express opposition to ICE, including Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, and Kehlani. Many attendees also wore “ICE Out” pins on the red carpet, signaling a collective show of solidarity with immigrant rights advocates. This widespread display of activism suggests a growing willingness among artists to use their visibility to address social and political issues.
The incident also brings into focus the increasing scrutiny faced by artists who choose to engage in political commentary. The potential for backlash, as O’Leary suggested, is real, but the willingness of artists like Eilish and Ruffalo to speak out indicates a shift in the cultural landscape, where silence is increasingly seen as complicity. The debate is unlikely to subside anytime soon, as the lines between entertainment and activism continue to blur.
Ruffalo’s history of activism further contextualizes his response. His social media feed consistently features posts related to protests, political issues, and his views on figures like Donald Trump. This latest intervention is consistent with a long-standing pattern of using his platform to advocate for his beliefs.
