Billie Eilish's mother defends Billie and Finneas against 'Nepo Baby' claims

Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell may be two of the biggest names in music, but their mother, Maggie Baird, doesn't believe their success is entirely due to nepotism.

In a new interview with Shine Posted on October 3, Baird responded to the recent “Nepo Baby” label her children were given. The term resurfaced after a clip of Maggie's performance Friends began circulating online, with many pointing out her and her husband Patrick O'Connell's ties to the entertainment industry.

However, Maggie quickly set the record straight, explaining that while she and Patrick had worked as actors and musicians, they were “working-class actors” who “earned a meager living.”

The actress shared, “I got this episode of Friends because I was about to lose my health insurance,” stressing that neither she nor Patrick had the fame or fortune that their children now enjoy.

She added that there is a big difference between the life she led as an actress and the life Billie and Finneas lead now.

“People don't really understand that there's a whole industry of creative people working and struggling,” she explained. “But this is a completely different life than being on this side of the door, where you suddenly find yourself playing in this other arena.”

Despite their huge success – Billie and Finneas have both won multiple Grammys and they made history as the youngest two-time Oscar winners – Baird says her family has remained close-knit and grounded. “The family part is the part that keeps everything sane,” she said.

As for how the family deals with the overwhelming control, Maggie simply reminded: “They're all human.”

With hits like “Bad Guy,” which spent ten weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and their critically acclaimed albums When we all fall asleep, where do we go? And happier than ever, Billie has consistently dominated both the charts and the awards shows.

Finneas is now a Grammy-winning producer and songwriter in his own right. He played a key role in shaping Billie's sound and was also successful as a solo artist with the release of his new album For Cryin' Out Loud! on October 4, ahead of his upcoming Australian tour in January 2025.

The project was preceded by title tracks “Cleats” and “Lotus Eater” and follows the Grammy-winning producer’s 2021 debut album. Optimist.