Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Cate Blanchett's 'Middle Class' Statement

People Are Confused by Cate Blanchett Calling Herself Middle Class

Cate Blanchett. Mike Marsland/WireImage

Cate Blanchett caused confusion among fans when she described herself as "middle class" even though she is a well-known Hollywood A-lister. The 55-year-old actress made this statement while discussing the importance of providing refugee filmmakers with a platform during a United Nations press conference at the Cannes Film Festival in France on Monday, May 20.

"I am white, privileged, and middle class. Some may say I have a white savior complex, but my experiences with refugees have truly transformed my view of the world. I am grateful for that," shared Blanchett in a video posted on TikTok by the Associated Press.

She added, "Having a platform means engaging in conversation with these individuals. I have encountered remarkable people with unique talents and insightful perspectives."

Some fans were more focused on Cate Blanchett's statement about her middle-class status rather than her comments on working with refugee filmmakers. One TikTok user questioned her claim, asking, "You think you're middle class, Cate Blanchett?"

One person expressed their admiration for Cate Blanchett, questioning how she could be considered 'middle class' when she has starred in two major film franchises. They specifically mentioned her roles as Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Hela in Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok.

Another person joined in the conversation, adding their disbelief by saying, "Middle class my ass."

Other fans, on the other hand, didn't see any issue with Blanchett's statement.

One TikTok user even stepped in to defend her, saying, "I was going to question that 'middle class' remark, but then I thought about the Masters of the Universe, who have multiple billions - definitely upper class. Then there are the upper middle class with hundreds of millions, and the lower middle class with hundreds of thousands. Everyone else is pretty much considered working class now."

Several other commenters praised the actress’ humanitarian work.

“This is [a] sincere support of peace! #welldone,” one TikTok user wrote.

Another person commented, “Fantastic to hear her speaking out.”

The video also sparked conversation on X.

People Are Confused by Cate Blanchett Calling Herself Middle Class

Cate Blanchett. Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Kering

One user wrote on Tuesday, "Cate Blanchett calling herself middle class has me laughing so hard I could cry."

Another account chimed in, stating, "How can a Hollywood star be seen as middle class? Maybe she was raised in that environment, but no country would consider her middle class now."

Some X users have mentioned that the term "class" can encompass more than just someone's financial status.

One user shared, "Class and money are not the same. For example, someone may see themselves as middle class even if they are not part of royalty."

Another X user pointed out that the term middle class can have varying definitions in different regions of the world.

They mentioned that in Britain, when people refer to the middle class, they often mean wealthy individuals. According to this user, there are three main social categories in Britain: the poor, the middle class (often seen as wealthy), and royalty. The user highlighted that the majority of the population falls under the category of the poor.

Blanchett has not responded to the backlash. We has reached out to her team for comment.

Editor's P/S:

Cate Blanchett's self-identification as "middle class" has sparked a heated debate, with fans questioning how an A-list Hollywood actress with her wealth and success could possibly consider herself as such. Some argue that her statement is out of touch with reality, while others defend her, suggesting that class is not solely defined by financial status.

Blanchett's comments highlight the complex nature of class and the varying definitions it can have across different contexts. In some societies, middle class may refer to wealthy individuals, while in others, it may encompass a broader range of income levels. It is important to recognize that class is a multifaceted concept that encompasses not only financial resources but also social status, education, and cultural capital. Blanchett's statement has opened up a dialogue about the fluidity and subjectivity of class, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of this social construct.