Native American Tribe Sends Stinging Message to Billie Eilish Over 'Stolen Land' Claim

Tongva tribe says Eilish's LA mansion sits on their ancestral land, criticizes her for not contacting them

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:47am

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A Native American tribe that once owned land under pop star Billie Eilish's Los Angeles home has sent a sharp message to her after she went on a rant at the Grammy Awards claiming 'no one is illegal on stolen land'. The Tongva tribe, who inhabited the LA Basin for over 7,000 years, said Eilish has not contacted them about her property and criticized her for not referencing them specifically in her speech.

Why it matters

Eilish's comments about 'stolen land' and immigration enforcement sparked backlash, with conservatives calling on her to return her property to Native Americans. The Tongva tribe's response highlights the complex history of land ownership in California and the need for public figures to engage respectfully with indigenous communities.

The details

The Tongva tribe confirmed that Eilish's mansion does indeed sit on their ancestral land in the Los Angeles Basin. They said they were disappointed that Eilish did not contact their tribe directly regarding her property, and that they wish she had explicitly referenced the Tongva people in her Grammy speech rather than making a more general statement about 'stolen land'.

  • Eilish made the controversial comments during her acceptance speech at the 2026 Grammy Awards on February 3, 2026.

The players

Billie Eilish

A popular American singer-songwriter who has faced criticism for her comments about 'stolen land' and immigration enforcement.

Tongva Tribe

A Native American tribe that inhabited the Los Angeles Basin, including the land where Eilish's mansion is located, for over 7,000 years.

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What they’re saying

“Eilish has not contacted our tribe directly regarding her property, we do value the instance when public figures provide visibility to the true history of this country.”

— Tongva Tribe Spokesperson (The Daily Mail)

“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.”

— Tongva Tribe Spokesperson (The Daily Mail)

What’s next

The Tongva tribe has indicated they hope to have further discussions with Billie Eilish and other public figures to ensure their history and connection to the land is properly recognized.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions around land ownership and the need for public figures to engage respectfully with indigenous communities, especially when making claims about 'stolen land'. It serves as a reminder of the complex history behind property rights in California and the importance of acknowledging that history.