Mark Ruffalo Claps Back at Kevin O’Leary Over Billie Eilish’s Anti-ICE Remarks

Mark Ruffalo defends Billie Eilish’s bold anti-ICE speech, telling Kevin O’Leary to “STFU” after his criticism at the Grammys.

When Stars Speak Up: The Power of Billie Eilish’s Grammy Speech

There’s something electric about watching an artist use their spotlight to speak truth to power, and Billie Eilish’s recent Grammy acceptance speech was exactly that. Last weekend, Billie snagged the Song of the Year award for her track Wildflower from Hit Me Hard And Soft. Instead of a typical thank-you, she used the moment to call out the controversial U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, declaring plainly, “No one is illegal on stolen land.”

Her pin said it all: “ICE OUT.” And she didn’t hold back—“I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter… and fuck ICE.” It was a bold statement that immediately stirred the pot.

The Backlash: When Bold Speeches Ignite Controversy

Billie’s speech didn’t sit well with many on the U.S. right. Critics like Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem labeled her “ill-informed,” while Elon Musk called her a “hypocrite.” But among the loudest voices was none other than Kevin O’Leary, the Canadian entrepreneur known for his role on Shark Tank.

Appearing on Fox News, O’Leary hammered home a classic celebrity rule: “Half the people in politics that you piss off won’t buy your music anymore. It’s the first lesson 101 for celebrity: as you rise up, whether you’re a film star, a music star, or whatever, shut your mouth and just entertain.” Ouch.

Mark Ruffalo’s Fiery Defense: “Why Don’t You STFU?”

Enter Mark Ruffalo, our beloved Avengers star and outspoken advocate. He didn’t mince words on Threads, responding to O’Leary’s comments with a scathing defense of Billie. His message? “Why don’t you STFU? It’s hilarious. You will go on any show and talk shit about any number of things and smugly expect us to listen to you.”

Ruffalo wasn’t done. He pointed out the double standard: “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. It’s astounding the fantasy double standard Kevin O’Leary lives in.”

O’Leary, it turns out, even made a cameo in film, playing a pompous stationery salesman named Milton Rockwell in Josh Safdie’s ping-pong drama Marty Supreme. Ruffalo cheekily added, “You played yourself well in Marty Supreme.”

Ruffalo’s Activism: Speaking Truth Beyond the Screen

Mark Ruffalo isn’t new to this kind of outspoken activism. Just last month at the Golden Globes, he wore a badge honoring Renee Good, a victim of an ICE agent’s fatal shooting in Minneapolis. Ruffalo called Donald Trump “the worst human being,” expressing deep concern over the country’s moral direction.

“So this is for her. This is for the people in the United States who are terrorized and scared today. I know I’m one of them. I love this country. And what I’m seeing here happening is not America.”
— Mark Ruffalo

Family Ties: Billie’s Brother Finneas Joins the Defense

Billy’s brother and producing partner, Finneas, also jumped into the fray. He took aim at the “very powerful old white men outraged” about Billie’s speech, pointing out, “We can literally see your names in the Epstein files.” A sharp and provocative jab reminding us that sometimes, celebrity critiques reveal more about the critics than the star.

Billie Eilish vs. ICE: A History of Outspokenness

This Grammy moment wasn’t Billie’s first public stand against ICE. Just last month, she urged fellow celebrities to speak out after the tragic deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota. She called ICE a “federally funded and supported terrorist group” tearing families apart and “murdering innocent people.”

The Department of Homeland Security fired back, blaming what they called “garbage rhetoric” like Billie’s for surging assaults and vehicle rammings against law enforcement.

A Rising Chorus: Other Artists Join the Anti-ICE Movement

Billie is far from alone. The music world is humming with voices against ICE's actions:

• Bruce Springsteen penned the protest song Streets of Minneapolis.
• Bad Bunny delivered a fiery speech at the Grammys.
• Tom Morello rocked Minneapolis in a protest show.
• Lady Gaga and many others have voiced their opposition.

These artists stand in solidarity, using their platforms to protest what they see as injustice.

Wrapping It Up: When Art Meets Activism

Billie Eilish’s Grammy speech is a telling example of how artists today are blending their art with activism, refusing to stay silent on issues they care about. Mark Ruffalo’s passionate defense and the broader support from the music community underscore just how important these conversations have become.

FAQ

• What did Billie Eilish say about ICE at the Grammys?
  She said, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” wore an “ICE OUT” pin, and expressed strong opposition to ICE’s actions.
• How did Kevin O’Leary respond to Billie’s speech?
  He criticized her on Fox News, suggesting celebrities should “shut your mouth and just entertain.”
• What was Mark Ruffalo’s reaction to Kevin O’Leary?
  Ruffalo told O’Leary to “STFU” and defended Billie’s right to speak out, highlighting the double standard in O’Leary’s criticism.
• Has Billie Eilish spoken about ICE before?
  Yes, she has called ICE a “terrorist group” and urged celebrities to protest its actions, especially after tragic incidents in Minnesota.
• Which other artists support the anti-ICE message?
  Bruce Springsteen, Bad Bunny, Tom Morello, Lady Gaga, and many others have publicly opposed ICE through music and protests.

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