Cate Blanchett mocked for saying she’s ‘middle class’
Source: TikTok/Associated Press
Aussie actor Cate Blanchett is being mocked for declaring she is “middle class”.
The star, who has banked her estimated $US95 million ($143 million) fortune thanks to a decades-long acting career that has also brought her two Oscars, made the statement at a United Nations press conference during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
“I’m white, I’m privileged, I’m middle class, and … one can be accused of having a bit of a white saviour complex, but to be perfectly honest, my interaction with the refugees in the field and also in resettled environments has totally changed my perspective on the world,” Blanchett said when asked about her experience as a UN goodwill ambassador and giving refugee filmmakers a platform.
The comments were shared to TikTok by The Associated Press.
Blanchett is a long-standing activist for humanitarian causes. She also stressed how “utterly grateful” she was for her experience and encouraged others with a platform to create a “dialogue with these people”.
“I’ve met some extraordinary people with extraordinary creative talents and amazing perspective,” she said.
Fans immediately began trolling the star on social media for her “middle class” claim.
One mocked: “You think you’re middle class, Cate Blanchett?” while another said: “I love Cate Blanchett, but in what world is she ‘middle class’. She’s been in two major franchises and is worth an estimated $90 million.”
A third said: “‘Middle class’ my a–,” while another stated: “Under no circumstances is a net worth of $95 million middle class!!!”
Other fans of Blanchett defended the actor, saying she may have meant she was “middle class” compared to billionaire showbiz figures.
Mother of four Blanchett, who is married to playwright Andrew Upton, is building an eco-mansion in a picturesque seaside town in Cornwall once dubbed ‘Hollywood-on-Sea’.
Neighbours have reportedly accused Blanchett of wrecking family holidays with the building noise from the property in Mawgan Porth, which she bought in 2020.
The original structure has been demolished to create a five-bedroom eco-home after Cornwall council granted planning permission in 2022.