Timothe Chalamet railed against ballet and opera years before viral comments

Published: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 1:27 am

Timothee Chalamet's Comments on Ballet and Opera Resurface, Sparking Debate

Actor Timothee Chalamet is facing renewed scrutiny after a resurfaced clip from 2019 shows him expressing skepticism about the future of ballet and opera. The clip, which has gained traction on social media, features Chalamet, now 30, discussing his early career aspirations while promoting the film "The King." In the video, he describes ballet and opera as "dying art forms."

This older statement has resurfaced following recent controversial remarks made by Chalamet during a town hall event with Matthew McConaughey last month. During the event, which aired on CNN, Chalamet expressed his admiration for those advocating for the preservation of various art forms, but he also stated that he didn't want to be involved in fields like ballet or opera, where he felt there wasn't significant public interest. He quipped, "All respect to the ballet and opera people out there – I just lost 14 cents in viewership."

Chalamet's comments have drawn criticism from within the ballet and opera communities. The Royal Ballet and Opera issued a statement emphasizing the interconnectedness of these art forms with others. However, the remarks also spurred creative responses. Several regional opera companies, including the Seattle Opera, capitalized on the controversy by offering discounts and promotions using Chalamet's name as a promotional code.

Despite the controversy, Chalamet's career continues to flourish. He is currently nominated for Best Actor for his role in "Marty Supreme" at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, where the film is also nominated for Best Picture. Chalamet has also previously mentioned his family's connection to dance, including his grandmother, mother, and sister's involvement with the New York City Ballet.

BNN's Perspective: While Chalamet's comments may be seen as dismissive by some, it's important to acknowledge the evolving landscape of artistic expression. The entertainment industry is constantly changing, and the success of films like "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" demonstrates that audiences will support art forms they are passionate about. However, the fact that ballet and opera are not as popular as other forms of entertainment does not diminish their artistic value. It is important to support all forms of art, even if they are not as popular as others.

Keywords: Timothee Chalamet, ballet, opera, controversy, comments, viral, dying art form, Academy Awards, Marty Supreme, Matthew McConaughey, Seattle Opera, Royal Ballet, The King, entertainment, art forms, viewership.

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