Margot Robbie’s Metalhead Past Sparks Unexpected Clash with Cate Blanchett on ‘The Graham Norton Show’
Margot Robbie and Cate Blanchett, two of Australia’s most acclaimed actors, recently appeared together on BBC’s The Graham Norton Show.
The episode took an unexpected turn when Robbie revealed her surprising taste in music, leading to a moment of tension that has since sparked debate among fans and metal enthusiasts alike.
Margot Robbie’s Metal Confession
During the show, Margot Robbie, known for her roles in The Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad, and Barbie, surprised the audience and her fellow guests by sharing a lesser-known fact about her teenage years. “I went through a goth, very emo phase,” Robbie admitted. “I listened to heavy metal music, dyed my hair black, and only cut it with a razor blade.”
love cate blanchett totally mystified that margot robbie was an emo girl into metal music:
"does *anyone* like heavy metal music?"
"do you like monster trucks, and things like that??" pic.twitter.com/QoUKXsQAbj
— Marlow Stern (@MarlowNYC) January 14, 2023
This revelation was met with mixed reactions, especially from Cate Blanchett, the Oscar-winning star of Blue Jasmine and Carol, who was seated next to Robbie on the show. Blanchett, known for her sophisticated and often ethereal screen presence, seemed genuinely taken aback by Robbie’s admission.
Cate Blanchett’s Surprised Response
Blanchett, seemingly puzzled, interjected with a question that quickly caught the attention of viewers. “Does anyone like heavy metal music?” she asked, her tone laced with disbelief. “Was that something you genuinely liked?”
Robbie, maintaining her composure, confirmed that she still “genuinely” enjoys heavy metal music, despite her current Hollywood status. Blanchett, however, didn’t seem entirely convinced. She followed up with another quip: “Do you like monster trucks and things like that?”
The exchange, intended to be lighthearted, left many viewers feeling that Blanchett’s remarks were dismissive and condescending. While Robbie brushed off the comment with grace, the moment did not go unnoticed, particularly by the metal community.
Metal Fans Rally Behind Robbie
The interaction quickly went viral, with Rolling Stone editor Marlow Stern sharing a clip of the conversation on Twitter. “Love Cate Blanchett totally mystified that Margot Robbie was an emo girl into metal music,” Stern captioned the post.
Metal fans, always a fiercely loyal and protective community, were quick to jump to Robbie’s defense. Twitter exploded with reactions, many of which criticized Blanchett for her seemingly out-of-touch comments.
“I love how Cate Blanchett has no clue about what metal fans are like IRL,” one user tweeted, highlighting the disconnect between mainstream perceptions of metal culture and the reality of its diverse fanbase.
Another fan hailed Robbie as the “metal representative for Hollywood,” praising her for staying true to her roots despite her rise to stardom. Others were less forgiving of Blanchett’s remarks, with one user labeling her comment as “rather judgmental.”
The Intersection of Metal and Pop Culture
Robbie’s admission that she once attended a Slipknot concert while starring in Neighbours—the Australian soap opera that launched her career—added another layer to the discussion. “It wasn’t monster trucks and Slipknot; it was Neighbours and Slipknot,” Robbie clarified, explaining the unexpected crossover between fans of the TV show and the metal band.
Graham Norton, ever the witty host, couldn’t resist a joke. “That’s quite the Venn diagram,” he remarked, highlighting the unusual blend of fandoms.
The exchange between Robbie and Blanchett on The Graham Norton Show has opened up a broader conversation about the cultural stereotypes surrounding metal music and its fans. Metalheads have long been subject to misconceptions, often portrayed in the media as aggressive or rebellious, but Robbie’s story offers a refreshing counter-narrative.
Cate Blanchett’s Perception of Metal
Blanchett’s reaction can be seen as a reflection of the broader societal misunderstandings about metal culture. To many, heavy metal music is synonymous with chaos and aggression, far removed from the polished image of Hollywood elites. However, this perception fails to recognize the diversity and depth of the genre and its fans.
For those unfamiliar with the metal scene, Robbie’s revelation might indeed come as a surprise. After all, the actress is known for her glamorous red-carpet appearances and roles in high-profile films. The idea that she once embraced a goth, emo aesthetic and rocked out to heavy metal music challenges the typical Hollywood narrative.
A Missed Opportunity for Inclusivity
Blanchett’s comments, while likely not intended to offend, missed an opportunity to embrace the diversity of tastes and backgrounds that exist even within the entertainment industry. By questioning the validity of Robbie’s musical preferences, Blanchett inadvertently reinforced the very stereotypes that metal fans have long sought to dispel.
Metal music, like any other genre, appeals to a wide range of people, from different walks of life. Robbie’s story is a testament to the fact that you can be a successful, mainstream actress and still harbor a love for a genre often relegated to the fringes of popular culture.
A Call for Greater Understanding
The online backlash against Blanchett’s comments underscores a broader need for greater understanding and acceptance of different subcultures. Metal music, often misunderstood and marginalized, deserves the same respect as any other genre. Robbie’s ability to proudly share her past as a metalhead should be celebrated, not met with skepticism.
As the conversation continues to unfold online, it’s clear that Robbie’s fans, particularly those from the metal community, stand firmly behind her.
Blanchett, for her part, may not have intended to cause any offense, but the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being open-minded and inclusive, even when something falls outside of one’s personal experiences.
Conclusion
Margot Robbie’s candid revelation about her love for heavy metal music provided a rare and refreshing glimpse into the diverse interests of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Cate Blanchett’s reaction, though perhaps well-meaning, highlighted the need for greater awareness and understanding of the subcultures that exist within society.
In a world where diversity of thought and experience should be celebrated, Robbie’s story serves as a powerful reminder that you can never judge a book—or a metalhead—by its cover.
