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 fans struggling with job dissatisfaction. In a recent interview with Body and Soul, Pataky, 49, suggested that people unhappy in their careers should simply 'free themselves' by traveling and taking risks.
Pataky's Advice Sparks Outrage
Speaking to Body and Soul, Pataky said: '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?” 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.'
The advice, while perhaps well-intentioned, was met with swift criticism online. Commenters on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to point out the privilege behind her words. 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, agreed: 'Load of rubbish easy to say when you are in her position.'
Instagram Backlash Continues
The criticism extended to Pataky's Instagram account, where she shared photos from her Body and Soul photoshoot and promoted her collaboration with clothing brand Spell. 'Twelve years ago, I discovered Spell. A year ago, we began designing a collection together. Today, I share it with you,' she wrote. However, followers were not impressed. User k.i.m.b.e.r commented that they would 'have to sell my car to afford it, unfortunately,' while rajqc described the clothing line as 'not affordable to everyday people,' calling it a 'bummer.'
Items from Spell's current Adventure Collection range from £100 for a Cosy Campfire Scarf to £305 for an Outback Blanket Shawl. Pataky's contribution is set to arrive on Tuesday, July 21.
Hemsworth Family Wealth
Pataky and Hemsworth, 42, have an estimated net worth of over $200 million (£149.2 million). They married in 2010 and share three children: daughter India Rose, 12, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, 10. The family lives in a luxurious mansion in New South Wales, Australia, after moving from Southern California in 2014.
Hemsworth himself has expressed discomfort with their wealth. In a 2018 interview with GQ Australia, he 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.'
Pataky's 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 (opposite her husband), and as Elena in the Fast and the Furious franchise. She also stood in for Natalie Portman in a kissing scene with Hemsworth 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.
