Billie Eilish’s controversial comments about meat-eating have officially gone larger than life. After the Grammy winner sparked massive online backlash for saying people cannot truly love animals while still eating them, PETA is now throwing its full support behind the singer with a gigantic billboard towering over Times Square.
The animal rights organization unveiled the massive display at 1530 Broadway in New York City, strategically placing it near fast-food giants McDonald’s and Popeyes while thousands of tourists and fans pass through the busy area daily. The campaign launch also coincides with fans heading into AMC and Regal theaters on 42nd Street to watch Billie Eilish’s new concert film.
The viral controversy began after Eilish declared during a recent interview that “eating meat is inherently wrong” and argued that people cannot claim to love animals while continuing to consume them. Her comments immediately divided social media, with many meat-eaters criticizing the singer while others praised her for speaking openly about veganism and animal cruelty.
Rather than backing down amid the backlash, the “Everything I Wanted” singer doubled down on Instagram by posting graphic slaughterhouse footage to her more than 125 million followers. The disturbing clips reportedly showed calves being kicked and thrown into trucks, pigs twitching while being dragged across slaughterhouse floors, and other scenes tied to the meat and dairy industries.
“[G]o watch a documentary or two and some footage of what is done to the animals u claim to love and what it does to the planet u pretend to love as well,” Eilish wrote. “[I]f that footage was hard for u to watch I encourage u to pls take a look at urself.”
PETA Says Billie Eilish Is ‘Not Afraid’ To Speak Out
According to PETA, Eilish’s posts inspired many followers to rethink their diets, with some users even crediting the singer for influencing them to become vegetarian or vegan. “Billie Eilish made me go vegan,” one social media user reportedly wrote, while another added, “Just saw Billie’s Instagram story. I am now a vegetarian.”
PETA President Tracy Reiman applauded the “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” singer for using her platform to spark uncomfortable conversations about animal rights. “If you claim to love animals but you’re still eating them, you’re lying to yourself, and Billie Eilish and PETA aren’t afraid to say it,” Reiman said per an email sent to The Blast.
“Helping animals, the environment, and our own health is as easy as leaving animals off our plates, and PETA’s free vegan starter kit can help anyone make the switch,” she added.
Eilish Previously Pressured Oscar de la Renta To Ban Fur
Long before her latest comments about meat-eating sparked controversy online, Billie Eilish had already made headlines for using her celebrity status to push major changes within the fashion industry. Back in 2021, the singer famously agreed to wear an Oscar de la Renta gown to the Met Gala only after the luxury fashion house committed to permanently banning fur sales.
At the time, Eilish spoke openly about her stance on animal cruelty while discussing the decision with The New York Times. “It was shocking that wearing fur isn’t completely outlawed,” she said.
The Grammy winner also admitted she felt proud to help influence change at such a major fashion brand, describing herself as a “catalyst” behind the company’s policy shift.
Billie Eilish Continues To Blend Pop Stardom With Animal Rights Activism
Beyond fashion campaigns and viral social media debates, Eilish has continued to align herself closely with animal rights organizations and grassroots activism efforts. The singer and her brother, Finneas, have both participated in events supporting Farm Sanctuary, which is recognized as the first farm animal rescue organization of its kind in the United States.
Over the years, Eilish has consistently used her massive platform to connect mainstream pop culture with conversations surrounding veganism, factory farming, and animal welfare. And with PETA now amplifying her latest remarks across Times Square, the singer’s message is once again reigniting debate over whether people can truly claim to love animals while continuing to eat them.
