Lewis Hamilton accused of hypocrisy over ‘billionaires shouldn’t exist’ rant as fans point to his fortune and billionaire girlfriend | International Sports News
A three-year-old Lewis Hamilton interview has resurfaced online, prompting a fresh debate about wealth, inequality and, for some critics, perceived hypocrisy.The clip, taken from Hamilton’s appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast and originally released on 23 January 2023, has been widely shared across social media in recent days. In it, the seven-time Formula One world champion argues that no individual should be allowed to accumulate billions of dollars while poverty and homelessness continue to exist.The renewed attention has been driven not only by what Hamilton said, but also by who he is today. Social media users have contrasted the comments with Hamilton’s own substantial fortune and his reported relationship with Kim Kardashian, whose wealth is estimated at around $2 billion.For some, the remarks reflect a broader critique of extreme concentrations of wealth. For others, they raise questions about whether ultra-wealthy public figures can credibly make such arguments while enjoying lifestyles that place them among the world’s richest people.
What Hamilton said and when he said it
One important detail missing from many reposts is that the interview is not recent.Hamilton made the comments during an appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast that was released on 23 January 2023, nearly three years before the clip began circulating widely again across social media platforms.At the time, Hamilton was discussing broader economic inequality and the visible contrast between extreme wealth and homelessness in cities such as Los Angeles.“One of the things that I struggle with every day is that there is such a disparity between the wealthy and the poor,” Hamilton said.“When you drive around LA there’s still so many people living on the streets. You shouldn’t be able to have billions.”Hamilton also expanded on his position during the conversation.“I think there should be a limit to how much you can have because there’s enough to go around for everyone.”His comments were not made in response to Kardashian, nor were they connected to any reported relationship involving the reality television star and entrepreneur.Nevertheless, Hamilton was already one of the wealthiest athletes in the world when he made those remarks.
Hamilton was already worth hundreds of millions in 2023
Hamilton’s wealth has become a major talking point since the clip resurfaced. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Hamilton’s fortune was estimated at roughly $300 million in 2023 when the interview originally aired. More recent estimates place his net worth closer to $500 million or even higher following continued success in Formula One, endorsement deals, investments and business ventures.The British driver has spent nearly two decades competing in one of the world’s most lucrative sports through spells with McLaren, Mercedes and now Ferrari.Forbes also listed Hamilton among the highest-paid athletes in the world during 2023, reporting that he earned $55 million in salary that year alone.His earnings have extended well beyond racing contracts, with sponsorship agreements, fashion partnerships, investments and entertainment projects contributing significantly to his overall wealth.Hamilton also entered film production with the Formula One movie F1, which reportedly grossed approximately $633 million worldwide after earning roughly double its production budget at the global box office.His property portfolio reportedly includes homes in England, Monaco, Switzerland and the United States, while his Kensington mansion in London has been valued at around $25 million. Reports have also estimated his car collection at approximately $40 million, although recent reports suggest he has sold several vehicles while increasing his interest in art investments.
Kim Kardashian’s fortune adds another layer to the discussion
The conversation surrounding the resurfaced clip has intensified because of Hamilton’s reported relationship with Kim Kardashian.Celebrity Net Worth estimates Kardashian’s fortune at around $2 billion, making her one of the wealthiest celebrities and entrepreneurs in the world.Much of that wealth comes from her stake in SKIMS, the shapewear company that has become one of the most successful celebrity-backed businesses in recent years. Reports have valued SKIMS at approximately $5 billion, with Kardashian’s ownership stake accounting for a substantial portion of her overall fortune.Before SKIMS, Kardashian had already built a highly successful business empire through television, endorsements, beauty products and social media partnerships.Reports have estimated that she earns between $50 million and $80 million annually from her various ventures, while social media partnerships alone reportedly generate between $12 million and $24 million per year.Among her real estate holdings is a blufftop Malibu estate spanning more than three acres, while she also retained ownership of the former Hidden Hills family property following her divorce from Kanye West.Based on current estimates, Hamilton and Kardashian would have a combined net worth of roughly $2.45 billion.
Fans quickly weighed in
The resurfaced clip generated thousands of reactions, with many users questioning whether wealthy public figures are the best people to deliver messages about wealth limits.One user wrote:“@LewisHamilton be the change you want to see and give all of the boundless excess of cash you and your girlfriend have away and we’ll go next.”Another commented:“Dude is worth $500M+ and lives in Monaco to avoid ever paying a penny in tax, lol.”A third user wrote:“He’s worth about half a billion, and uses offshore accounts …. Why does anyone need more than £50million? Why doesn’t he give the rest to a good cause?”Another reaction focused directly on Kardashian’s reported wealth.“He’s dating a woman who lives in LA and is worth $2 billion. He is worth $500 million. He has zero awareness of how out of touch he sounds.”One user posed a simpler question:“So, when is he going to start giving away his money?”
