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LOS ANGELES () — Actor and Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet is facing criticism from members of the opera and ballet communities after comments he made during a recent interview.
Chalamet’s remarks came during a conversation last month with actor Matthew McConaughey for Variety. The clip began circulating widely online, drawing renewed attention – and frustration – from performers and advocates in the classical arts world.
“And I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive even though … no one cares about this anymore.’ All respect to the ballet and opera people out there,'” he said.
Chalamet appeared to anticipate possible backlash in the moment, later saying in the interview, “I just took shots for no reason.”
Still, his comments prompted swift responses from opera and ballet professionals.
One opera singer wrote in the video’s comments that she felt “shock that someone so seemingly successful can be so ineloquent and narrow minded in his views about art” while considering himself an artist.
The Royal Ballet and Opera addressed the situation in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Ballet and opera have never existed in isolation. They have continually informed, inspired and elevated other art forms,” the statement said, adding, “Their influence can be felt across theatre, film, contemporary music, fashion and beyond.”
For several days, performers and arts organizations have been responding across social media.
The Opera Tonight Instagram page noted, “Opera has been around since the 16th century and is still alive and well today,” later adding in a message to Chalamet, “What a shame that you don’t have respect for other art forms.”
Chalamet has previously spoken about his personal connection to the dance world. His grandmother, mother and sister all danced in the New York City Ballet.
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