For those of us who live in house shares or one room studio apartments, finding a space to comfortably work from home has been difficult during coronavirus lockdown. It seems the super rich – who are spending quarantine in their mansions or at ‘virus-free’ retreats – have no concept of this, as exemplified by a blunder shared by Euphoria actor Lukas Gage over the weekend.

Gage shared a clip of himself auditioning for a role over Zoom, with the caption: “psa if you’re a shit talking director, make sure to mute ur shit on zoom mtgings.” In the recording, the director, who clearly doesn’t realise he’s unmuted, can be heard complaining: “These poor people live in these tiny apartments. I’m looking at his background and he’s got his TV and…”

The actor awkwardly interrupts, telling the director: “Yeah, mute it.” Making light of the situation, Gage adds: “I know it’s a shitty apartment, that’s why give me this job so I can get a better one.”

After Gage asks if he’s ready for the audition to start, the director replies: “Oh my god, I am so, so sorry Lukas.”

Lukas responds: “I’m living in a four by four box, it’s fine. Just give me the job and we’ll be fine.”

The clip ends with the director declaring that he’s “mortified” as someone starts to laugh in the background. At the time of writing, the director – who has a British accent – is yet to be identified. 

Other actors and celebrities have come out to express their support for Gage. Normal People star Paul Mescal commented on Gage’s Instagram post: “What the fuck.” 

Director Remia Deleke said: “Damn! This is the problem with people in power, they feel they can say whatever they want without consequence. Such a classy response Lukas! Much respect to you my dude!”

Drag Race’s Vanessa Vanjie wrote: “Gag! Miss thang was reading in the Zoom call what a fucking mess lol I wanna see how cracked his face was when you were like, ‘Yeah I can hear ya’, lmaooo.”

Comedian Billy Eichner said on Twitter: “Actors are often (not always but often ) treated like garbage and taken advantage of because ‘we’re just lucky to have a job’ and ‘we’re gonna take the job anyway’ etc etc. It’s very fucked up.”

Others have questioned why the director even criticised Gage’s apartment, which looks perfectly nice and normal. Bella Thorne wrote: “Ur place looks nice?!?! What’s he expecting from a working actor?? Ur response is amazing.” 

Knocked Up director Judd Apatow said: “As a young man, I would have dreamed of an apartment like this one. Look at that sweet flat screen! The guitar! The moldings!”

Watch the awkward clip above.