Billie Eilish reveals childhood trauma during intense media training session

• Billie Eilish discusses early career struggles with media training on Poehler’s podcast.
• Singer admits to sobbing during an intense one-hour PR coaching at age fourteen.
• Manchester tour film directed by James Cameron reaches cinemas this Friday.
  

Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish has offered a candid glimpse into the pressures of early stardom, revealing she was left in tears during a media training session at just 14 years old.

Speaking on Tuesday's episode of the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, the 24-year-old singer reflected on how her public persona has evolved.

Eilish described herself as a "very strong-willed and very bossy" child, traits that initially led to refreshing honesty in interviews.

However, industry pressures soon intervened. "I did PR training when I was 14, and I sobbed through it. I hated it so much. It was literally like the scariest s--- of all time," Eilish said.

The singer explained that the session lasted less than an hour before she abandoned it entirely. "I did not follow any of the rules after that," she confessed, noting that she bristled at being told what not to say.

Host Amy Poehler suggested that the experience was likely "painful" because Eilish values authenticity so deeply.

Eilish agreed, admitting she still "hates" the feeling of being inauthentic, though she has since moderated her level of sharing.

This vulnerable revelation comes as the star prepares for the release of her new concert film, Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), co-directed by James Cameron.

Opening this, May 8, the film captures her Manchester performances, following a busy period for Eilish that included a viral, emotional appearance at Coachella, where she was serenaded by Justin Bieber.