Patricia Arquette insists she didn't grow up privileged.

Responding to suggestions she is privileged and earns plenty of money, the 46-year-old star tweeted: "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.

"I was a working single mom at 20. I know how hard it is to pay for diapers and food. Explain why women should be paid less?

"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."

Patricia was widely praised for her original speech, but attracted backlash for comments she made afterwards when she called on "all the men that love women, and all the gay people, and all the people of colour that we've all fought for to fight for us now."

The actress is standing by her comments, but attempted to clarify them in a rant on Monday.

She tweeted: "I don't care if people are p***ed. The truth is that wage inequality adversely effects women.

"I have long been an advocate for the rights of the #LBGT community. The question is why aren't you an advocate for equality for ALL women?

"If you are fighting against #Equalpay you are fighting for ALL women and especially women of colour to make less money than men."