The second song that comes up recommended by Spotify upon searching The Neighbourhood is “Daddy Issues.” Let’s talk about it!
Jesse Rutherford (31), the lead singer of The Neighbourhood, is officially dating Billie Eilish (20). An 11-year-age difference is quite a large one and there is photo proof of them together even as Eilish was a minor, like the one here, taken on the day Eilish turned sixteen.
Before Billie
Previous to this new relationship, Rutherford very publicly dated Wildflower phone case powerhouse and co-founder Devon Lee Carlson (27) for about six years. They were even named “2019’s most 2019 couple” by GQ. Devon is a model, entrepreneur, vlogger and overall fashion (specifically Marc Jacobs) icon. She is reportedly dating Duke Nicholson, the grandson of Jack Nicholson. Personally, I am happy for the new-found couple. The other one, however, leaves me with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.
“Your Power”
Eilish’s hit song “Your Power” was released in 2021 as a single for her album “Happier Than Ever” which came later. This song was said to be one of Eilish’s favorites, as she said “I feel very vulnerable putting this one out because I hold it so close to my heart…. This is about many different situations that we’ve all either witnessed or experienced, I hope this can inspire change.” Lyrics within the song make it pretty clear that the issue Eilish was aiming to change here was specified towards older men in the industry taking advantage of their power dynamic over young girls.
Insta Official
With that being said, this October Eilish and Rutherford made the relationship Instagram official after some speculation by posting their couple’s costume for Halloween. His being dressed as an old man and her as a baby was maybe meant to be a bite back at some of the internet drama that Billie fans especially were stirring up, but it seems slightly tone-deaf as retaliation to expressed concern.
It is reported that Billie’s family has granted approval of Rutherford, saying he’s a gentleman and videos surfacing of Finneas Eilish hanging out with the couple at a concert. Finneas is 25.
Judging celebrities and spewing biased opinions never seems fair in regard to their personal lives, not just as celebrities but as humans. One’s relationship has a right to privacy, but with the major spotlight that is constantly shining on both members of the couple, it is no shock that the world has something to say about it.
My Opinion…
In my opinion, as a fan of both artists and a child of divorce of the Rutherford/Carlson relationship, it is unsettling to watch two people get involved in something uncomfortable and questionable. Eilish’s previous boyfriend was 22 when she was 17, which was made clear in her Apple TV documentary. It was a commonly shared idea amongst fans that this relationship is what sparked a lot of inspiration for “Your Power,” which again focuses on powerful men abusing that said power over impressionable girls.
While the idea of power is a very abstract idea, I will leave you with this: Rutherford made his first Billboard Hot 100 debut in 2013 and has been continuously popular ever since. His net worth is an estimated $4 million. He is to turn 32 this upcoming August. Billie will turn 21 in December.
Let us know your thoughts on what might just be the most controversial celebrity couple by tweeting us @VALLEYmag on Twitter.
