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The Tongva Tribe Responds
Eilish’s Los Angeles mansion, valued at roughly $3 million, is located on land historically inhabited by the Gabrieleno Tongva people, the Indigenous community that has lived in the greater Los Angeles basin for thousands of years.
In the wake of Eilish’s remarks, the Tongva tribe issued a statement acknowledging her comments while providing clarity on the historical context.
A tribal spokesperson told The Daily Mail: “We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity regarding the recent comments made by Billie Eilish. As the First People of the greater Los Angeles basin, we do understand that her home is situated in our ancestral land.
Eilish has not contacted our tribe directly regarding her property, but we do value the instance when public figures provide visibility to the true history of this country.”
The spokesperson also emphasized the importance of explicitly naming the Gabrieleno Tongva people in public discussions about Los Angeles. “It is our hope that in future discussions, the tribe can explicitly be referenced to ensure the public understands that the greater Los Angeles basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory.”
The tribe also reported that they had reached out to Eilish’s team to “express appreciation for her comments,” highlighting a mutual acknowledgment, albeit indirect, of the historical and ongoing significance of the land.
Public Reaction: Praise and Criticism
Eilish’s comments drew immediate praise from certain social justice advocates who lauded her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about American history.
Many supporters emphasized the importance of bringing attention to colonization, land theft, and the experiences of Indigenous peoples. Social media was flooded with reactions applauding her for using a high-profile platform to raise awareness about these issues, particularly in a mainstream event watched by millions worldwide.
However, not everyone received Eilish’s remarks positively. Critics pointed out an apparent contradiction: her advocacy for justice and anti-ICE policies contrasted with her ownership of a multi-million-dollar mansion on ancestral Tongva land.
Some suggested that her acknowledgment of “stolen land” required tangible action, such as returning property or using it for charitable purposes.
Political commentator Eric Daugherty wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Americans are calling on Hollywood elitist Billie Eilish to RETURN her $14M LA mansion to the Tongva tribe after she claimed, ‘no one is illegal on stolen land.’ She could also graciously host illegal aliens in her mansion. After all, she has the moral high ground. Put up or shut the F up.”
Similarly, Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) commented: “Any White person who does a public ‘stolen land’ acknowledgment should immediately give his or her land to Native Americans. Otherwise, they don’t mean it.”
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