Billie Eilish Slams Elon Musk Over $1T Tesla Pay Plan

Pop star Billie Eilish has publicly criticized tech billionaire Elon Musk following reports that he could become the world’s first trillionaire.

Earlier this month, Musk, 54, secured shareholder approval for a Tesla pay plan that could award him stock worth up to $1 trillion if he meets specific performance targets over the next decade. More than 75 per cent of Tesla shareholders voted in favor of the plan at the company’s annual meeting.

In response, Eilish, 23, took to Instagram on Nov. 13, calling Musk a “f—ing pathetic p—- b—- coward.” The singer shared infographics originally posted by the advocacy group My Voice, My Choice, highlighting how Musk could use his wealth to address pressing global issues.

The slides suggested that Musk could:

• End world hunger by spending $40 billion per year until 2030.

• Provide universal access to safe, clean water for $140 billion over seven years.

• Save all 10,443 critically endangered species by investing $1–2 billion annually to bring them down to endangered status.

• Rebuild Gaza and the occupied West Bank for $53.2 billion, with further suggestions to help rebuild Ukraine and Syria at a cost of $793.2 billion.

In her final post on Instagram, Eilish reiterated her strong criticism, writing: “etc…. f—ing pathetic p—- b—- coward.” Musk has not publicly responded to the remarks.

Eilish’s comments follow a broader message she delivered about billionaire responsibility. During her acceptance of the WSJ Magazine Innovator Award in October, she urged wealthy individuals to use their fortunes for good, particularly at a time when the world is “really bad and really dark.”

Speaking to an audience that included Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, his wife Priscilla Chan, and Star Wars creator George Lucas, Eilish said: “I’d say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things, maybe give it to some people that need it.”

Late-night host Stephen Colbert introduced Eilish on stage at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, highlighting that she would donate $11.5 million from her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour proceeds to causes supporting food equity, climate justice, and reducing carbon pollution.

Eilish also delivered a pointed reminder to the billionaire attendees: “Love you all, but there’s a few people in here who have a lot more money than me. And if you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? And no hate, but give your money away, shorties.”

Her comments underline ongoing public scrutiny of extreme wealth and the role billionaires play in addressing global crises, as well as Eilish’s commitment to activism and philanthropy.