Multi-millionaire actress Cate Blanchett claims she's 'middle class' in baffling statement

Fans have slammed Cate Blanchett for claiming she is part of the ‘middle class’ social tier despite her celebrity status.

While appearing at Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of her new political comedy film Rumours, the Australian actress, 55, sat on a press panel to share her thoughts on why giving refugee filmmakers a space in the industry is important.

However, a comment about herself quickly caught fans’ attention.

Blanchett, who has a reported net worth of $95 million (£74.6 million) and an impressive global property portfolio, acknowledged she lives a privileged life but appeared to contradict herself when she called herself ‘middle class.’

‘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,’ she said.

A snippet of the moment was reshared on AP News’ TikTok account, with many of the almost 600 comments calling out the Tár actress.

One comment that gained almost 800 heart reactions came from @LeakingMemory. It read ‘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.’

Cate Blanchett has upset fans by claiming she is ‘middle class’ (Picture: Getty)

Cate is worth an estimated $95 million (Picture: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

Another popular comment from @user3571484606627 read, ‘You think you’re middle class, Cate Blanchett?’

While a third person, @tiger commented ‘under no circumstances is a net worth of $96 million middle class!!!’ @A.R added ‘middle class. Oh no love.’

Despite the comment upsetting some fans, others pointed out that Blanchett may have meant it in the sense of her middle-class Australian upbringing.

What did Cate Blanchett mean by ‘middle class’?Comment Now

@mummarusty wrote: ‘She’s speaking her upbringing & formative views. She’s middle class Australian. Raised in the suburbs with a good education, working parents etc… Look up the definition. Her income creates privilege.’

@siobhandoyle95 added, ‘I think she means she was BORN middle class. But 95 million dollars puts her in the upper echelons NOW.’

Some fans believe Cate meant she was raised middle-class (Picture: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

@casper892 added, ‘She means she was RAISED middle class. She didn’t come from money.’

Blanchett was born and spent her childhood years in Sydney, Australia, before attending a private Melbourne girls’ school.

Since reaching A-list status, she married Andrew Upton, an Australian playwright, in 1997 and welcomed four children: Dashiell, 22, Roman, 19, Ignatius, 16, and Edith, 8.

The family currently lives in a £5 million historic country estate near Crowborough, East Sussex, and recently purchased a £5 million holiday home in Cornwall.

Cate’s Cannes Film Festival dress appeared to include a subtle nod to Palestine (Picture: Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)

It comes after the star’s appearance at the Cannes Film Festival this week, which included a suspected nod to Palestine.

When walking the red carpet for The Apprentice premiere on Monday night, fans were convinced that her Jean Paul Gaultier dress was specifically designed to show solidarity for Palestine amid the ongoing bombardment of Gaza at the hands of Israel.

Suspicion arose when Blanchett waved around the skirt of her dress to expose a bright green lining.

Coupled with a black front and a light back against the crimson backdrop of the red carpet, fans were convinced the gown was intended to represent the colours of the Palestinian flag.

Blanchett is in Cannes for the premiere of her film, Rumours, which she revealed is named after the infamous Fleetwood Mac album.

The political comedy follows a group of politicians gathering at a G7 summit. They become entangled in love affairs when tasked with forming a group statement.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Are you a Soaps fan? For exclusive spoilers and interviews, sign up to Metro's Soaps newsletter