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Billie Eilish's Emotional Speech at the MLK Jr. Awards Includes a Call Against ICE and Donald Trump
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a70059578/billie-eilish-ice-donald-trump-speech-mlk-jr-beloved-community-awards-2026/Billie Eilish’s Emotional Speech at the MLK Jr. Awards Includes a Call Against ICE and Donald Trump
She was honored with the Environmental Justice Award
By Sophie Wang
Published: Jan 20, 2026 12:06 PM EST
-snip-
“To be honest, I really don’t feel deserving,” the Hit Me Hard and Soft singer began. “It’s very strange to be celebrated for working toward environmental justice at a time when it feels less achievable than ever, given the state of our country and the world right now.”
-snip-
“We’re seeing our neighbors being kidnapped, peaceful protestors being assaulted and murdered, our civil rights being stripped, resources to fight the climate crisis being cut, fossil fuels and animal agriculture destroying our planet and people’s health, access to food and healthcare becoming a privilege for the wealthy instead of a basic human right for all Americans,” the artist continued. “It is very clear that protecting our planet and our communities are not a priority for this administration, and it’s really hard to celebrate that when we no longer feel safe in our own homes or in the streets.”
“But I’m so inspired by all of the stories and the other honorees tonight and everyone in this room, and I’m grateful to everyone and for the huge community of people who are taking action centered on Dr. King’s message.”
Eilish ended her speech by thanking her parents, her fans, and the communities working to protect civil rights, once again reiterating how “humbled and honored and lucky” she felt to be at the ceremony. “All I really have is a platform, and I think it’s my responsibility to use it,” she explained. “I feel like I’m just doing what anyone in my position should be doing.”
She was honored with the Environmental Justice Award
By Sophie Wang
Published: Jan 20, 2026 12:06 PM EST
-snip-
“To be honest, I really don’t feel deserving,” the Hit Me Hard and Soft singer began. “It’s very strange to be celebrated for working toward environmental justice at a time when it feels less achievable than ever, given the state of our country and the world right now.”
-snip-
“We’re seeing our neighbors being kidnapped, peaceful protestors being assaulted and murdered, our civil rights being stripped, resources to fight the climate crisis being cut, fossil fuels and animal agriculture destroying our planet and people’s health, access to food and healthcare becoming a privilege for the wealthy instead of a basic human right for all Americans,” the artist continued. “It is very clear that protecting our planet and our communities are not a priority for this administration, and it’s really hard to celebrate that when we no longer feel safe in our own homes or in the streets.”
“But I’m so inspired by all of the stories and the other honorees tonight and everyone in this room, and I’m grateful to everyone and for the huge community of people who are taking action centered on Dr. King’s message.”
Eilish ended her speech by thanking her parents, her fans, and the communities working to protect civil rights, once again reiterating how “humbled and honored and lucky” she felt to be at the ceremony. “All I really have is a platform, and I think it’s my responsibility to use it,” she explained. “I feel like I’m just doing what anyone in my position should be doing.”
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