Tammy Hembrow’s ‘rich’ claim has divided Aussies online

Tammy Hembrow’s comment on what it means to be rich has divided online, with some claiming it has left a “sour” taste in their mouths.

Influencer Tammy Hembrow, who is worth an estimated $56 million, has divided her fans after she shared her definition of ‘rich’.

The 30-year-old, who just married Matt Zukowski in a lavish ceremony that Vogue covered, posted a video of herself dancing in her kitchen with her three children and husband.

“My definition of rich,” she wrote.

The TikTok went viral and Hembrow was quickly slammed as “out of touch”.

Money tensions are high in the moment at Australia.

The cost of living crisis isn’t slowing down and, according to financial comparison website Finder, 42 per cent of Australians are stressed by grocery prices.

Aussies are also preparing for a tough Christmas, with 47 per cent of people struggling to pay their home loan amid pressure from interest rates that are sitting at 4.35 per cent.

This is in conjunction with rental stress, with 46 per cent of renters struggling to pay their rent.

Meanwhile, 20 per cent of mortgage holders have missed a payment or asked for a reprieve since May.

Hembrow’s wholesome post quickly turned into a discussion on if, as a wealthy woman, she should be posting about what makes her feel rich.

The influencer recently ranked 80 on The Financial Review’s Young Rich List, where the publication claimed she was worth a staggering $56 million thanks to her fitness and wellness app, Tammy Fit.

“But you’re actually rich,” one person commented.

Ms Hembrow replied, “There’s more to life than money,” and then pointed out that she didn’t grow up wealthy.

“I grew up with nothing and my dad always taught that rich is in love and happiness and laughter,” she said.

Someone else argued that claiming there’s more to life than money is an “easy for a rich person” to say.

Hembrow further elaborated and said she grew up with “nothing” and didn’t define wealth by money.

“To me money is security and freedom not rich,” she explained.

Tammy said being with her family is what makes her feel ‘rich’. Instagram/TammyHembrow

The 30-year-old influencer has over 17 million followers. Instagram/TammyHembrow

However, Hembrow’s explanation didn’t seem to be enough to win back those that took issue with her original statement.

“That is what all rich people say,” one wrote.

“Tammy is correct; money shouldn’t be everything, but it can be a bit tone-deaf and jarring hearing it from someone who is actually rich,” someone else said.

“There’s definitely more to life than money but it is easy for a rich person to say that,” another echoed.

Someone else said the post left a “sour taste in their mouth” and another claimed Hembrow wouldn’t be saying money isn’t everything if she was living off Centrelink and “barely got by”.

“Dancing in your mansion? Definitely the definition of rich,” one joked.

People were divided by her ‘rich’ comment. Picture: Instagram/TammyHembrow

She explained why she thinks having money and feeling rich are different things. Instagram/TammyHembrow

Ms Hembrow bought her Gold Coast home in 2020 for $2.88 million. It has water views, a pool, and multiple living spaces.

Not everyone was slamming Ms Hembrow’s comments though, plenty of fans pointed out that the influencer was highlighting an important truth.

“Half of these comments missed the point. Health and family is my definition of rich,” one wrote.

“People are so mad seeing someone with money,” another claimed.

“It is great having money but only when you have people you love to experience it with. You very much deserve and have worked hard for both,” someone wrote.

“I’m far from rich, Tammy, but I totally agree with you,” another claimed.

“It surely doesn’t take a genius to know that money isn’t everything,” someone else argued.