Patricia Arquette responds to Oscars feminism controversy, and Hillary Clinton supports her
Actress pledged to help 'working poor women' despite criticism
![Different view: Patricia Arquette](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2014/01/09/17/2Patricia-Arquette.jpg)
Your support helps us to tell the story
In my reporting on women's reproductive rights, I've witnessed the critical role that independent journalism plays in protecting freedoms and informing the public.
Your support allows us to keep these vital issues in the spotlight. Without your help, we wouldn't be able to fight for truth and justice.
Every contribution ensures that we can continue to report on the stories that impact lives
![Head shot of Kelly Rissman](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/kelly-rissman.png)
Kelly Rissman
US News Reporter
Patricia Arquette has dismissed claims that she's a privileged actress telling black and LGBT people what to do.
However, talking backstage, Arquette appeared to urge oppressed groups to fight the corner of older women being underpaid.
"It's time for all the women in America and all the men who love women and all the gay people and all the people of colour that we’ve fought for, to fight for us now," Arquette said off-stage.
Some feminist, LGBT and racism activists criticised Arquette's off-stage speech. Feminist Roxane Gay led the charge.
On Wednesday, Arquette fought her corner, saying that the struggle she encountered as a young woman meant she was qualified to talk about poverty.
Meanwhile, rumoured presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton during a keynote speech at a women's tech conference in Silicon Valley, California. “I think we all cheered at Patricia Arquette’s speech at the Oscars, because she’s right - it’s time to have wage equality,” Clinton said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments