Gina Rinehart, Richest Woman in the World, Criticized for 'Insulting Advice'
Gina Rinehart, the world's richest woman, has stirred up controversy after imparting "advice" for how to get wealthy.
The Australian billionaire offered words of wisdom while writing a column in the Australian Resources Magazine recently, but the advice did not resonate well with many readers.
In her column, the 58-year-old iron ore tycoon suggested that by simply working harder and foregoing "drinking or smoking and socializing," anyone could become rich.
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"If you're jealous of those with more money, don't just sit there and complain," Rinehart advised. "Do something to make more money yourself- spend less time drinking or smoking and socializing, and more time working."
While Rinehart's message of working hard does hold some value, the mining mogul has received criticism for suggesting hard work when she only inherited a chunk of her wealth without any struggle.
When her father Lang Hancock died in 1992, he left Rinehart $72 million, which she multiplied by 386 over the past 20 years, according to AOL Daily Finance.
Critics have responded to Rinehart's comments in anger, including financial professionals Bob Katter and Wayne Swan.
Katter pointed out that Rinehart's advice omitted "daddy being a major cattle station owner and the biggest mining magnate in Australia," according to the Associated Press.
Moreover, the nation's treasurer, Swan, slammed Rinehart for "an insult to the millions of Australian workers who go to work and slog it out to feed the kids and pay the bills," according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
On Twitter, many users are also taking aim at the billionaire for her comments.
Rinehart's troubles do not end with the public's opinion of her; three of the Australian millionaire's four children recently sought a lawsuit against their mother over the family trust fund.
The heirs sought to oust their mother as a trustee last year and believe they are entitled to millions, citing that Rinehart treated them with "disdain" and "arrogance," according to the Daily Telegraph.
The case is ongoing.
