AceShowbiz - Patrick Schwarzenegger is taking the spotlight and addressing nepotism claims head-on. As the son of famed actor and former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver, he acknowledges that some people may assume he landed his role on "The White Lotus" new season solely due to his family background.

"I know there are people who'll say I only got this role because of who my dad is," he remarked to The Sunday Times. "I know there are people who'll say I only got this role because of who my dad is."

Patrick, 31, pointed out that critics often overlook the years of effort he has put into his craft, "They're not seeing that I've had ten years of acting classes, put on [high] school plays every week, worked on my characters for hours on end or the hundreds of rejected auditions I've been on."

While frustrated by the "nepo baby" label, Patrick was grateful for his privileged upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents. "Of course, it's frustrating and you can get boxed in and you think at that moment, I wish I didn't have my last name," he said.

"But, that's a small moment," he continued. "I would never trade my life with anyone. I'm very fortunate to have the life and family that I have, the parents I have and the lessons and values they've instilled in me."

Amidst his hard work, family remains a cornerstone for Patrick. His mother, Maria Shriver, couldn't contain her pride following his casting. "Now you get cast in one of my favorite shows of all time, White Lotus!" she wrote on Instagram.

Maria was so happy for her son that she didn't even notice his son's outfit - or lack thereof. "My kids were like, 'Did you see that?' And I was like, 'No. What?' " she told People. "So that shows you - a mother's eyes are always on the kids' eyes."

Proud dad Arnold was equally thrilled for his son's major role. "I was so pumped to take a break from filming to celebrate @patrickschwarzenegger at the White Lotus Season 3 premiere," he penned on his own account.