New York, May 22, 2024 – The Cannes Film Festival is no stranger to controversy, but this year, it’s Cate Blanchett’s off-screen comments that have everyone talking. The acclaimed actress, with a net worth of $95 million, has been criticized for calling herself “middle class” during a press conference for her new movie “Rumours.”
Blanchett, who is 55, was discussing her experience working with refugee filmmakers when she made the remark. “I’m white, I’m privileged, I’m middle class,” she said, “and I think one can be accused of having a bit of a white savior complex.” This statement quickly ignited a firestorm on social media platforms, with many users questioning her understanding of the term “middle class,” especially when compared to the likes of Jeff Bezos.
The backlash was swift and varied, with some users on X (formerly known as Twitter) accusing Blanchett of being out of touch. “Rich people are so out of touch,” one user commented, while another sarcastically added, “Yes, it’s really tough having to deal with the poors.” The debate even took a humorous turn when one user quipped, “Cate Blanchett is ‘middle class’… and I am a giraffe.”
However, not all feedback was negative. Some fans came to Blanchett’s defense, explaining that in British slang, “middle class” refers more to heritage and family status than to financial wealth. “She is speaking of her class, not her bank balance,” a supporter stated, while another clarified, “Class and money are different. She might consider herself middle class because she isn’t royalty.”
The discussion around Blanchett’s comment highlights the complex relationship between wealth, class, and public perception. It also underscores the different cultural interpretations of social classes, particularly in the UK, where the term “middle class” can encompass a broad spectrum of the population, excluding only the very poor and the royal family.
Meanwhile, Blanchett’s film “Rumours” has received a warm reception at Cannes, with a four-minute standing ovation. The dark comedy, directed by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson, features a star-studded cast including Alicia Vikander, Charles Dance, and Roy Dupuis. The film follows a group of G7 world leaders who find themselves lost in the woods, a premise that Variety suggests is ripe with political satire.
As the festival continues, Blanchett’s comments remain a topic of conversation, demonstrating the enduring power of celebrity statements to spark public discourse. The New York Post has reached out to Blanchett’s representatives for further comment.
