Billie Eilish promotes her new album to Israelis, and draws social media ire

“[I]t’s occupied land not Israel,” one of many critical social media users wrote.

Billie Eilish performs onstage at the iHeartRadio ALTer EGO concert, Jan. 28, 2021. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

By Gabe Friedman August 2, 2021 12:23 am

(JTA) — Pop star Billie Eilish provoked a wave of angry criticism on social media after posting a short video online promoting her new album to Israeli fans.

“Hi Israel, this is Billie Eilish, and I’m so excited that my new album, ‘Happier Than Ever,’ is out now,” she says in a clip posted to her Tik Tok, the blog Israellycool reported Sunday.

The video was one of several that Eilish posted to fans in different countries.

Pro-Palestinian social media users appeared to criticize Eilish for recognizing Israel as a state.

@billieeilish its “occupied palestinian land” not israel

— Nour 🍉 (@yofavgoalkeeper) July 31, 2021

Others used the opportunity to criticize Israeli policy toward the Palestinians.

https://twitter.com/dania_alzain/status/1421386464189952003

Me, a long time Billie Eilish fan and supporter of Palestinian liberation, seeing her make a video saying “Hi Israel!” and proceeding to promote her new album to her Israeli audience pic.twitter.com/IchQXAK4GT

— James Ray 🔻 (@GoodVibePolitik) July 31, 2021

“Happier Than Ever,” the 19-year-old’s second album, was one of the most anticipated pop releases of the year.

Support the Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.

Donate