Mark Ruffalo Slams Kevin O’Leary After He Attacks Billie Eilish’s Anti-ICE Speech

Jason Sargent Friday, February 6, 2026

- - Mark Ruffalo Slams Kevin O’Leary After He Attacks Billie Eilish’s Anti-ICE Speech

Miu von Furstenberg February 6, 2026 at 9:33 AM

Mark Ruffalo has put Kevin O’Leary on blast after the actor fired back at the businessman’s criticism of Billie Eilish‘s controversial Grammy speech.

Ruffalo took to Threads on Thursday (February 5, 2026) to defend the Grammy winner, who used her Song of the Year acceptance speech on Sunday to denounce Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Avengers star didn’t mince words in his response to O’Leary’s comments.

“Kevin O’Leary why don’t you STFU. It’s hilarious,” Ruffalo wrote. “You will go on any show and talk shit about any number of things and smugly expect us to listen to you, but you will dig into a real artist that dwarfs anything you dream of doing for actually saying something that resonates with 100’s of millions of people the world over.”

Mark Ruffalo attending the ‘Crime 101’ UK gala screening at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, London on January 28, 2026. Photo Credit: Cover Images

The Oscar-nominated actor, who has been outspoken in his criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, continued his criticism by pointing out what he called a double standard. “It’s astounding the fantasy double standard Kevin O’Leary lives in,” he added.

Ruffalo also referenced O’Leary’s recent role in Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, writing, “You played yourself well in Marty Supreme,” referring to O’Leary’s portrayal of Milton Rockwell, a cutthroat 1950s businessman and main antagonist in the film.

What Sparked the Controversy

The dispute began when Billie Eilish accepted her Grammy for “Wildflower” at Sunday’s ceremony. During her speech, the 24-year-old singer made a pointed statement about immigration enforcement.

“As grateful as I feel, I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything but that no one is illegal on stolen land,” Eilish said. “It’s just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now, and I feel really hopeful in this room. Keep fighting and speaking up and protesting.”

Billie Eilish arrvies at the WSJ. Magazine 2025 Innovator Awards at MoMA on October 29, 2025. Photo Credit: Roger Wong/INSTARimages

She then ended her speech with a bleeped expletive directed at ICE. Eilish also wore an “ICE OUT” pin to the ceremony, signaling her stance on the federal law enforcement agency.

O’Leary’s Fox News Response

Following the Grammys, the Shark Tank star appeared on Fox News’ America Reports on Tuesday, where he offered advice to celebrities who speak out politically.

“Half the people in politics that you piss off won’t buy your music anymore,” O’Leary said. “It’s the first lesson 101 for celebrity: As you rise up, whether you’re a film star, a music star [or] whatever, shut your mouth and just entertain.”

Finneas Joins the Defense

Ruffalo wasn’t the only one to defend Eilish. Her brother and producer, Finneas O’Connell, also addressed the backlash on Threads.

“Seeing a lot of very powerful old white men outraged about what my 24-year-old sister said during her acceptance speech,” Finneas wrote. He added a pointed reference: “We can literally see your names in the Epstein files.”

Wider Grammy Protests

Eilish wasn’t alone in her anti-ICE stance at the ceremony. Bad Bunny, Shaboozey, Olivia Dean, and Kehlani also made statements against the federal agency during the broadcast. Several celebrities, including Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Bon Iver, Jack Antonoff, and Lady Gaga, wore “ICE OUT” pins on the red carpet.

The agency has come under fire following recent controversial incidents involving the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Mark Ruffalo has long been vocal in opposing aggressive immigration enforcement policies, making his defense of Billie Eilish consistent with his previous public statements on the issue.

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