DIIV’s Million-Dollar Deal: Did They Really Accept Oil Company Money?

The scene caused quite a stir: DIIV on stage, holding a check for a million dollars – allegedly given by three representatives from American oil and gas giant ExxonMobil. While the band members displayed forced smiles, a sign reading “Mission Accomplished” loomed in the background. This phrase was notably seen behind U.S. President George W. Bush during his May 1, 2003, speech, where he declared the United States had triumphed in the Iraq War.

Captured during their performance at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles on May 25, and circulated by the music news outlet Stereogum, the scene puzzled many. In the comments on an Instagram post by Stereogum, internet users appeared confused by the satirical nature of the event. “Is this a joke?” one commenter questioned, while another expressed being “really confused about this”.

“It’s a nice gesture from a company that knowingly contributes to global warming and has worsened the wildfire crisis. They should be giving a lot more money to many more people,” another user commented, eliciting chuckles from some. “It’s distressing how many people here don’t get the joke yet still feel the need to comment,” another chimed in.

Following in the Footsteps of Soul-net

Indeed, it was all a joke. DIIV has never compromised its politically progressive stances for financial gain. This act was a continuation of the narrative they created around last year’s release of Frog In Boiling Water, accompanied by a mysterious website, Soul-net, filled with cryptic, conspiracy-laden messages.

Furthermore, two months ago, on March 8, 2025, the band released a YouTube video titled “Announcing DIIV’s Partnership with ExxonMobil and Soul-net”. This served as a prelude to the stunt they pulled in Los Angeles the previous weekend.

“Hello, I’m Cole from the critically acclaimed band DIIV. Through music, we share our hopes and dreams for tomorrow. This partnership with ExxonMobil allows me to join those calling for action, innovation, and commitment to healing our world, where energy and technology merge to create a sustainable soundtrack for our future,” the singer declared in a mockingly cheerful tone.

In the video, which mirrors those shown at the band’s concerts, ExxonMobil is portrayed as a company “at the forefront of change, pioneering a future where sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand“. Clearly, it’s too exaggerated to be true.