Continuing on to explain why she felt so strongly about Eilish, the singer said that Rutherford gave her, “space… love and attention, and equal admiration.” 

“I’m just really inspired by this person, and, you know, he’s inspired by me, which is really cool.”

While much of the rest of the world criticized Eilish and Rutherford for their 11-year age gap, there were some who were still in her corner. One of those people was her brother and co collaborator Finneas O’Connell. O’Connell, 25 years old, actually defended his sister in her dating choice with Rutherford. 

This came about when a social media user openly criticized Eilish’s older brother, commenting, “Your sister’s dating a 31-year-old man and your music is s***ty.” O’Connell was quick to come to his sister’s defense. 

“I want my sister to be happy and safe,” he said. “She is a 21-year-old adult perfectly entitled to make her own life decisions.”