News

7th May 2004

Gwyneth slates working mothers

Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow has angered millions of mothers by criticising those who work.

The actress, who is still a month away from experiencing motherhood herself, exposed her pregnant belly for an interview with W magazine, in which she gave her 'firm opinions on how parents should conduct their lives'.

The 31-year old hollywood star went on to say that she "could not understand women who put their careers before their children" and insisted that she would be putting her acting career on hold.

"I might not work for ages. Acting is a fantastic job, but it's not going to define my life, much to my agent's horror."

Ms Paltrow said that she was taking inspiration from her mother, actress Blythe Danner, who put her acting career on hold to raise Ms Paltrow and her brother, Jake.

"My mother turned down every fantastic movie there was. She turned down these amazing things that would have made her a huge movie star."

"There are certain women in this business who have children, and I just think, 'You must never, literally never, see them'. You can't do movies back to back to back and see your child if they go to school."

Ms Paltrow's criticism aimed directly at working mothers has angered many women who are not in the fortunate position of earning up to £5 million per movie, as well as being married to the frontman of one of the most successful bands of the decade.

Mother of two Natasha Barrows is just one who has voiced her opinions.

"I have no choice but to work, despite the fact that my husband works a 42 hour week. His wages just don't cover the mortgage and bills. Gwyneth Paltrow earns more for just one film than I'll earn in my lifetime."

"It's very easy for someone with money to condemn working mothers but the fact is, we are in the majority. We work out of necessity not necessarily because we want to."

• Is Ms Paltrow right? Are mums wrong to work? Tell us your views in Your Shout
• Find out more about working parents in Returning to Work