Topics: Cannes Film Festival, Celebrity, Film and TV, Money
Personally, I'd consider a middle class person as someone who loves a Walmart, but maybe occasionally treats themselves to a Whole Foods.
Cate Blanchett, on the other hand, considers middle class as someone with millions of dollars to their name.
I think it's safe to say we have differing opinions.
The movie star left fans confused when she described herself as 'middle class' during a recent press conference at the Cannes Film Festival, where she attended the premier of The Apprentice.
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During the conference, Blanchett discussed her experience of working with refugee filmmakers and how important it is that they have space to tell their stories.
She acknowledged her own privilege as a white woman, but raised some eyebrows as she said: "I'm white, I'm privileged, I'm middle class and I think one can be accused of having a bit of a white saviour complex."
I beg your pardon.
— Dr. Jebra Faushay (@JebraFaushay) May 22, 2024
Middle class? Cate is worth $95 million. Is that considered middle class now? pic.twitter.com/j1QMsS8Hb6
"But to be perfectly honest, my interaction with refugees in the field and also in resettled environments has totally changed my perspective on the world and I’m utterly grateful for that,” Blanchett continued.
“And I think if you do have a platform, I want to be in dialogue with these people. I’ve met some extraordinary people with extraordinary creative talents and amazing perspectives.”
Though Blanchett did appear to be using her platform to try and raise awareness, many internet users were unable to move past her comment about being 'middle class'.
With the help of a decades-long career in film which has led many to regard her as one of the greatest actors of her generation, Blanchett has an estimated net worth of $95 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Blanchett and her husband, Andrew Upton, also own multiple properties in different countries.
With that in mind, it's no surprise some people were confused by Blanchett's description of herself.
One person accused the actor of being 'disconnected from reality', while another wrote: "If she’s middle class..I’m definitely in the gutter."
"I would like to be middle class too! Sign me up!," another wrote.
However, some of Blanchett's fans have argued that the actor may have been using the term as a way to represent heritage and family status, rather than the amount of money she has in the bank.
"Class and money are different. She might consider herself middle class because she isn’t royalty," one X user posted.
Another agreed, writing: "She is speaking of her class not her bank balance. She isn't upper class, even if she [does] makes billions."
Blanchett, who is also a mom of four, now spends most of her time in the UK after moving from Melbourne.
