Billie Eilish addresses George Floyd’s death: ‘Black lives fucking matter’

Billie Eilish has taken to social media to share a message following the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota on May 25. “I’ve been trying to take this week to figure out a way to address this delicately,” the singer wrote in an Instagram post (May 30). 

“I have an enormous platform and I try really hard to be respectful and take time to think through what I say and how I say it… But holy fucking shit I’m just gonna start talking.”

Eilish goes on to discuss white privilege and the use of the phrase “all lives matter” by critics of the protest movement, writing: “No one is saying your life doesn’t matter. No one is saying literally anything at all about you. All you MFs do is find a way to make everything about yourself.”

“(I’m gonna try to explain this as if you were a child because it feels like that’s the only way you MFs will understand),” she adds: “If your friend gets a cut on their arm are you gonna wait to give all your friends a bandaid first because all arms matter? No you’re gonna help your friend because they are in pain because they are in need because they are bleeding!”

Other musicians and artists have been vocal about police brutality and the nationwide demonstrations in the US – which have now spread to cities in Europe, the UK, and Canada – following Floyd’s death.

“If intentional MURDER is the fit consequence for ‘drugs’ or ‘resisting arrest’... then what’s the fit consequence for MURDER???!” asks Rihanna, in the caption to an Instagram post, while Beyoncé has shared a video statement, directing followers to petitions seeking justice for George Floyd.

The petition for the arrest of the officers involved in the killing has been announced as the fastest-growing petition ever, and is still gaining signatures every minute. Derek Chauvin, the officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck, has been charged with third-degree murder.

Gigi Hadid, meanwhile, has shared an Instagram post pointing out hypocrisy in the government’s – and specifically the president’s – treatment of white and black protesters, additionally urging people to “keep signing petitions, making calls to demand justice, speaking out”.

Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande have also shared statements, respectively, on the platform, acknowledging their own privilege and the need for white people (and other non-black people of colour) to show solidarity and support. “Right now is a critical time for the black community to be supported by all other communities,” writes Gaga, while Grande has shared links to relevant individuals and movements – such as Black Lives Matter – that can help people stay informed.

Read this piece for more anti-racism resources, and learn more about how to be an ally in light of George Floyd’s death here.