Billie Eilish, one of the most influential voices in modern pop music, experienced a rare moment of backlash when a simple Instagram post resulted in the loss of 100,000 followers in just one hour. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter, known for her genre-defying sound, bold aesthetic, and candidness, has built a career on authenticity. But as she learned in 2020, even authenticity comes with consequences when you’re a global superstar.
A Meteoric Rise to Fame for Billie Eilish
Eilish first made waves in the music world with the hauntingly beautiful track Ocean Eyes. The song went viral in 2015 and quickly turned the then-13-year-old into a household name. Since then, she has dominated the industry with three number-one albums, multiple Grammy Awards, and even two Academy Awards for Best Original Song—No Time to Die and What Was I Made For?.
At just 23, Billie Eilish has accomplished more than most artists twice her age. This solidified her position as a voice of her generation. Her artistry is marked not only by her distinctive sound but also by her fearless expression. Something that would eventually land her in hot water online.
The Post That Sparked ‘Boob-Gate’
In 2020, during a widely popular Instagram challenge where users posted images in response to prompts, Eilish responded to the prompt “a drawing you’re really proud of.” Her submission? A series of pencil sketches of the naked female form, creatively intertwined with serpentine elements. “These probably lol I love boobs,” she captioned the post.
The drawings, artistic and tasteful, celebrated the beauty of the female body. But not all of Eilish’s followers agreed with the sentiment. The post, though brief and artistic, resulted in a sharp drop in her follower count. An eye-popping 100,000 users unfollowed her within the hour.
The Reaction: Humor Over Outrage
Despite the mass unfollowing, Billie Eilish didn’t appear to be fazed. Responding to a post that pointed out the stark drop in her follower count before and after the drawings were shared, she commented:
“LMFAOOO y’all babies smh.”
Her response reminded us of a growing frustration many female artists face when navigating discussions around sexuality, art, and expression. Especially on public platforms where millions watch their every move. Eilish’s humor and lack of remorse also highlighted her refusal to apologize for simply sharing what she loves.
Read More: 8 Celebs Whose Controversial Outfits Had People Up in Arms
Art, Sex, and a Changing Conversation
The incident wasn’t an isolated moment of rebellion or provocation. In fact, Billie Eilish has long been open about her views on sexuality, frequently incorporating the subject into her music and public persona. “I basically talk about sex any time I possibly can. That’s literally my favourite topic,” she shared in a 2024 Rolling Stone interview. “I think it’s such a frowned-upon thing to talk about, and I think that should change.”
Her remarks point to a broader cultural critique: that society still often shames women—especially young women—for openly discussing or depicting sexuality, even in artistic contexts. For Eilish, who’s made it her mission to challenge these double standards, the backlash only confirmed how much work still needs to be done.
Followers Lost, But Influence Intact for Billie Eilish
Though 100,000 followers may sound catastrophic to most, the loss barely made a dent in Eilish’s massive online presence. At the time of the controversy, she had over 70 million Instagram followers. Today, that number has climbed to an impressive 124 million—proof that while some may unfollow in a moment of disapproval, Eilish’s influence remains unshaken. Her unapologetic attitude and continued success suggest that authenticity, especially when paired with immense talent, ultimately resonates more than controversy.
A Star Unapologetically Herself
Billie Eilish’s 2020 “boob-gate” moment served as both a cultural flashpoint and a reminder of the challenges women face in owning their narratives online. By standing firm in her artistic expression and doubling down on her beliefs, Eilish continues to lead a new generation of artists who are unafraid to push boundaries. In an era where public figures are often expected to censor themselves for the sake of broad appeal, Billie Eilish remains a breath of fresh air. Willing to lose followers if it means staying true to herself.
Read More: Kanye Loses 20 Million Dollar Deal After Bianca Censori’s Grammy Controversy