Oscars 2015: Patricia Arquette Responds to Critics of Speech on Wage Inequality

"I don't care if people are pissed," she said.

ByABC News
February 24, 2015, 1:04 PM

— -- Patricia Arquette is firing back at those who didn't agree with her speech at the Oscars on wage inequality and women.

The winner for Best Supporting actress got up on stage and said, "It's our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women."

She continued discussing the topic backstage.

"The truth is, the older women get, the less money they make," she said. "It is time for us. Equal means equal."

Read: Oscars 2015: Patricia Arquette Discusses Charity Work, Politics and the Story Behind Her Dress

On Twitter Monday, the "Boyhood" star, 46, wasn't backing down.

"I don't care if people are pissed. The truth is that wage inequality adversely effects [sic] women," she wrote. "If you are fighting against #Equalpay you are fighting for ALL women and especially women of color to make less money than men."

She added, "Wage equality will help ALL women of all races in America. It will also help their children and society."

As for people who questioned whether she herself makes less money since she is an actress, she wrote, "My children are not living below the poverty line. That doesn't mean I don't care about the kids who are. DO YOU? Then help their moms."

Today, she added, "Don't talk to me about privilege. As a kid I lived well below the poverty line. No matter where I am I won't forget women's struggle."

Then, she added, "The working poor women of this country have been asking for help for decades. If I have "privilege" or a voice I will shine a light on them."