Billie Eilish accused of racism over Irish heritage remarks at Dublin concert; fans say 'can no longer defend her'

Time of India

29-07-2025

Billie Eilish is catching heat online after commenting on her Irish heritage during her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour stop in Dublin on Saturday, July 26. The 23-year-old singer was performing at the 3Arena when she spoke about how at home she felt among the Irish crowd, referencing their shared complexion and ancestry. While many fans in the venue took it as a sweet and relatable moment, a wave of criticism online has painted it in a very different light.
What Billie Eilish said on stage
During a short break in her set, Billie addressed the crowd with excitement and gratitude. 'As you guys know, I'm Irish, so it's cool to be here,' she said. 'Obviously, I am not from here, but it's really cool to come somewhere and, like, everybody looks exactly like you, and you're all just as pasty as me. I love it.'
She went on to say, 'Seriously though, it's so amazing. It just makes me feel so seen… Also, like, a thousand of my relatives are in the crowd right now, I'm pretty sure. Thank you for coming. Thank you for having me here. I love it here. It's so beautiful, and you are all so beautiful, and I see so many familiar faces out there.'
Billie Eilish celebrates return to Irish homeland. "It's really cool to come somewhere and everyone looks exactly like you". pic.twitter.com/uCXGOj5miy
Fans on X are divided
The internet wasn't entirely on board. While some fans saw her comments as innocent and self-deprecating, others on X (formerly Twitter) accused the singer of veering into xenophobic territory.
One person wrote, 'Crazy statement to make as a white woman.'
crazy fucking statement to make as a fucking white woman 💀 https://t.co/0CztVaDYdx
"Oh alright, first Billie confirms that her "queer persona" was just an act to sell sales by dating a man. DURING PRIDE MONTH might I add (which she hasn't apologised for yet, btw)!! and now she's saying dumb things like this. I don't know how much longer I can defend her," a second added.
Oh alright, first billie confirms that her "queer persona" was just an act to sell sales by dating a man, DURING PRIDE MONTH might I add (which she hasn't apologized for yet btw!!) and now she's saying dumb things like this. I don't know how much longer I can defend her. https://t.co/yjckgiam2Q
'Do white people hear themselves when they speak?' another said, echoing the frustration. "Why is she acting like there's a shortage of whites in the United States?" one person said.
why is she acting like there's a shortage of whites in the united states? https://t.co/Wq2fqE1IqI
Billie has spoken about her Irish heritage before
This isn't the first time Eilish has opened up about her roots. Earlier in July, she told Today FM that she grew up hearing she was Irish and Scottish but didn't really feel a connection to that part of her background until visiting Ireland. She described the experience as 'really cool' and said it helped her better understand that side of her identity.
Her tour continues across Europe
Despite the backlash, Billie's Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour is going strong. The European leg has been packed with sold-out shows, emotional fan moments, and surprise setlist switches. The tour is a companion piece to her critically acclaimed 2024 album of the same name, She'll continue to perform across the UK and mainland Europe through August before heading back to North America later this year. While social media debates her choice of words, the crowds at her shows don't seem to be going anywhere.