When people ask me do I believe in feminism - well, I didn't even know I was a feminist. I was the top of the bill; I've always been the top of the bill. So I don't know what equality is.

In this quote, Cilla Black, a famous British singer and television personality, reflects on her personal experience with feminism and equality. When asked if she believes in feminism, she responds with a sense of confusion, stating that she didn’t even realize she was a feminist. Black, who was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, describes herself as always having been “top of the bill”, meaning she was often at the peak of her career, receiving recognition and success. In this context, she implies that her position of success made her less aware of the need for gender equality, as she did not personally experience the barriers that many women face in less privileged positions.

Cilla Black’s comment suggests that for women who have achieved significant success, the concept of equality might not feel as urgent or apparent, because they may not face the same kinds of discrimination or limitations that other women do. Her statement also reflects a certain naivety or disconnect from the struggles that many women experience on a daily basis, as she was largely insulated from those issues by her fame and status. In her eyes, her success did not necessarily correlate with a broader movement for equality, as she had already broken through many of the barriers women typically encounter.

Her remark about not knowing what equality is hints at the complexity of feminism and how different individuals might experience it differently depending on their social and economic circumstances. While Cilla Black’s career achievements placed her at the forefront of the entertainment world, many other women may still struggle for equal opportunities and recognition, which is a central tenet of feminism.

The origin of this quote lies in Cilla Black’s reflections on her life and career, particularly during interviews or public statements where she discussed her role as a successful woman in the entertainment industry. Black, who was a beloved public figure in the UK, might have been commenting on how her personal success and status often shielded her from some of the challenges faced by other women in less visible positions. Her statement reflects a broader conversation about feminism and gender equality, especially for women who, like Black, may not have directly encountered the obstacles that the feminist movement seeks to address.