Celebrity5 min(s) read
Published 16:46 27 Jan 2026 GMT
Billie Eilish has called out her fellow celebrities for their silence following the fatal shootings of ICU nurse Alex Pretti and Renee Good by ICE agents.
The Grammy-winning artist took to social media over the weekend to express her frustration with the lack of public outcry from celebrities.
In a pointed post on Instagram, Eilish shared a selfie with a confused expression and wrote: “Hey my fellow celebrities, u gonna speak up? Or…”
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was killed by federal immigration officers on January 24 during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Pretti, who was a lawful gun owner, allegedly approached officers while armed and “violently resisted” when they tried to disarm him.
However, multiple bystander videos have surfaced that contradict DHS’s account, showing Pretti holding a cell phone, not a firearm, in the moments before his death.
This incident follows another deadly encounter involving ICE agents in Minneapolis just weeks earlier, when Good was killed under similar circumstances.
In a follow-up post, the 24-year-old 'Ocean Eyes' songstress shared a video where her brother, Finneas, also addressed Pretti’s death.
The visibly upset producer blasted those who made justification for the shooting, particularly the argument that Pretti’s possession of a firearm made his death somehow acceptable.
"The conservative argument that allows school shootings to continue has always basically boiled down to, ‘We have to protect the Second Amendment,’" he said in the video. "Every argument I’ve seen for why Alex Pretti’s death was justified yesterday is like, ‘Well, he had a gun.’"
“Shut the f**k up!" he slammed. "This guy was being beaten to a pulp on the ground. He didn’t draw his weapon. He had a weapon on him legally. And they still shot the f*** out of him!”
While Eilish has called out her peers, several celebrities have already taken a stand in the wake of Pretti’s death.
According to Mercury News, Jennifer Aniston posted a message from Petti's grieving parents, encouraging her followers to contact their senators to demand action.
Mark Ruffalo also weighed in, saying: “Cold blooded murder on an American street of a man protecting someone he loves... Don’t pretend this is okay. We have been invaded by a criminal army from within. Do not pretend this isn’t dangerous or wrong.”
Other stars have used their platforms to advocate for Minnesota residents and show solidarity.
Ariana Grande shared resources on her Instagram Stories, stating: “Minnesota is under occupation by federal agents from ICE and CBP, and we need your support.”
Olivia Rodrigo, who has previously spoken out against the use of her music in ICE-related social media posts, called the actions of ICE “unconscionable” and urged her followers to take action.
Pretti’s parents have rejected the DHS’s account of their son’s death, calling it “sickening lies.”
In an interview with The Associated Press, Michael and Susan Pretti recalled their final conversation with their son, in which they advised him to protest peacefully and avoid confrontation amid the unrest in Minneapolis. Tragically, just days later, their son was killed by federal agents.
In a statement released after his death, the Pretti family described Alex as a “kindhearted soul” and voiced their anger over the incident.
“We are heartbroken but also very angry,” the statement read. “Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact.”
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The federal government’s response to Pretti’s death has been heavily criticized, with many accusing the White House of attempting to downplay the incident.
Initially, top officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, labeled Pretti as a “domestic terrorist.” These claims quickly unraveled as video evidence contradicted the narrative.
Amid growing public outrage, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to distance President Donald Trump from the early statements.
“I have not heard the president characterize Mr. Pretti in that way,” she said, per The Guardian. “However, I have heard the president say he wants to let the facts and the investigation lead itself.”
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