Internet bafffled by Cate Blanchett’s ‘middle class’ claim

Australian actress Cate Blanchett baffled fans by saying she’s “middle class” — despite having an estimated net worth of around $140 million.

Cate Blanchett speaks out at Cannes.

Australian actress Cate Blanchett baffled fans by saying she is “middle class” — despite having an estimated net worth of around $140 million.

The Lord of the Rings star was participating in a United Nations press conference during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival Monday when she was asked about her experience as a goodwill ambassador and giving refugee filmmakers a platform.

“I’m white, I’m privileged, I’m middle class, and I think, you know, 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,” she responded in a video shared on TikTok by the Associated Press.

Blanchett, who has long been an activist for humanitarian issues, emphasised how “utterly grateful” she was for the experience and encouraged others with a platform to created a “dialogue with these people.”

“I’ve met some extraordinary people with extraordinary creative talents and amazing perspective,” the actress said.

Despite Blanchett’s good intentions talking about her work with refugees, her “middle class” claim shocked viewers, many of whom cited her estimated net worth of $140 million, or around $95 million in US dollars.

“you think you’re middle class, Cate Blanchett?” one person commented on the AP’s video.

“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,” another wrote.

Blanchett hits the red carpet at Cannes. Picture: AFP

Blanchett is worth an estimated $140 million AU. Picture: AFP

“‘middle class’ my ass,” a third TikTok user added.

“all this is very wonderful and very cool but can we back up and unpack ‘MIDDLE CLASS’ rq [real quick]??!” someone else asked.

“Cate Blanchett is estimated to be $95 million. that Is far from middle class. still [love] her,” another user commented.

“Under no circumstances is a net worth of $95 million middle class!!!” one more viewer wrote.

However, several social media users came to the Australian star’s defence and argued that perhaps she meant “middle class” compared to other actors who are billionaires.

“I was gonna jump on that ‘middle class’ comment but then I realised there are Masters of the Universe, with multiple billions – upper class. Then upper middle class I guess with 100s of mils and then lower middle class with 100s of thousands. All else are really working class now,” one fan commented.

A rep for Blanchett did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission. 

Originally published as Internet bafffled by Cate Blanchett’s ‘middle class’ claim