Billie Eilish reportedly experienced a loss of 100,000 Instagram followers within an hour following the posting of a single photograph.
At just 22 years old, she gained widespread recognition with her hit song “Ocean Eyes,” which became a sensation on SoundCloud in 2015. Eilish has since established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry, boasting seven top 10 hits and an impressive collection of awards, including nine Grammy Awards and two American Music Awards, among others.
Alongside her brother and collaborator Finneas O’Connell, Eilish has contributed to the soundtracks of several major films, such as the James Bond film “No Time to Die” and “Barbie.” However, like many public figures, she has faced criticism from fans, which has occasionally led to significant declines in her social media following.
Eilish has been in the public eye from a young age, and while her fame continues to grow, it often comes with intense scrutiny. Over the years, her fans have witnessed her transformation, as she has experimented with various styles and appearances, including changes in hair color from green to red.
In 2021, around the release of her album “Happier Than Ever,” Eilish unveiled a new look on the cover of British Vogue, featuring blonde hair and a corset. While some fans praised this change, others expressed their discontent. Comments included sentiments like, “I used to love Billie until she changed,” and “Bring back the green hair!” One individual even remarked, “Not a role model anymore.”
In response to the backlash, Eilish took to Instagram to address her critics. She stated (as reported by CBS): “I spent the first five years of my career being relentlessly criticized for my boyish style and how I dressed, constantly being told I would be more attractive if I conformed to traditional femininity.
“And now, when I finally feel confident enough to wear something even slightly feminine or form-fitting, I am labeled a sellout.”
She further asserted, “I can embody both identities.”
In an interview with Elle, Eilish reflected on the backlash from the Vogue photoshoot, noting, “People cling to these memories and develop attachments. It can be very dehumanizing.”
This incident is not the first time the “bad guy” singer has defended herself against her fans.
In 2020, Eilish engaged in the ‘post a picture’ trend, prompting her fans to request that she share a ‘drawing you’re really proud of,’ according to The Independent. At the age of 19, she posted a page from her sketchbook that included a depiction of breasts and nude women. She remarked, “These probably lol I love b**bs.” Following this post, Eilish’s Instagram following reportedly decreased by approximately 100,000, dropping from 73 million to 72.9 million. In reaction, the artist behind ‘everything i wanted’ took to her stories to express, “LMFAOOO y’all babies smh.”
