Elsa Pataky, the Spanish model and actress married to Marvel star Chris Hemsworth, has faced intense backlash after offering what many consider 'out of touch' advice to people struggling with their jobs. In a recent interview with Body and Soul, Pataky, 49, suggested that those unhappy in their careers should simply 'free themselves' by traveling and taking risks.
'People are so often in a job they don't like, and they're struggling every day, and I'm like, Why don't you free yourself?' Pataky said. 'And they're like, Because of the money. But why don't you travel somewhere else or give yourself that opportunity?' She added: 'They're scared of what could happen, [but] you need to take risks in life to discover new things.'
Backlash on social media
The comments quickly drew criticism online, with many pointing out that Pataky and Hemsworth have an estimated net worth of over $200 million (£149.2 million) and own a luxurious mansion in New South Wales, Australia. On X, user Lorraine4412 wrote: 'Why don't we all [have] a multi-millionaire husband to cover all living costs so we can free ourselves?' Another user, Plane Jane, called the advice a 'load of rubbish easy to say when you are in her position.'
The backlash extended to Pataky's Instagram account, where she shared photos from the Body and Soul photoshoot and promoted her collaboration with clothing brand Spell. Items from Spell's Adventure Collection range from £100 for a Cosy Campfire Scarf to £305 for an Outback Blanket Shawl. Commenters noted the high prices, with user k.i.m.b.e.r saying they'd 'have to sell my car to afford it,' and rajqc describing the line as 'not affordable to everyday people.'
Chris Hemsworth on money and privilege
Pataky's husband, Chris Hemsworth, has previously expressed discomfort with their wealth. In a 2018 interview with GQ Australia, the 42-year-old actor said: 'I feel gross about it.' He recalled saving up for a surfboard as a child: 'The surfboard was 600 bucks, and I saved up for a whole year with Dad's help. I didn't even want to surf on it for fear of damaging it. It taught me so many lessons about appreciation and working hard for something.'
Hemsworth also spoke about instilling humility in their three children: daughter India Rose, 12, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, 10. 'I don't want them to feel like they're privileged in any way. The fact that we have money and their parents are famous, that somehow they're special, that scares me because we grew up with no money,' he told GQ Australia.
Pataky's career and background
Born in Madrid, Pataky appeared in Spanish films and TV before moving to the US in 2004. She is best known for roles in Snakes on a Plane, Furiosa (alongside her husband), and as Elena in the Fast and the Furious franchise. She also stood in for Natalie Portman during a kissing scene in Thor: The Dark World.
Before marrying Hemsworth, Pataky dated actor Adrien Brody, who bought her a 19th-century castle for her 31st birthday. The couple broke up in 2009, and Brody retained the castle, as documented in his 2015 film Stone Barn Castle.
Pataky and Hemsworth married in 2010 and moved to Australia in 2014, selling two properties in Southern California. The couple's current home is a sprawling estate in Byron Bay, New South Wales.
