Timothée Chalamet faces backlash from classical performing arts world

The worlds of ballet and opera have hit back at Timothée Chalamet after the actor dismissed their art forms during a recent conversation at the University of Texas.

During a discussion with his Interstellar co-star, Chalamet commented on the pacing of modern films and quipped, “I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore.’ All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there.”

Although the audience laughed at the offhand remark, it sparked swift responses from the performing arts community.

The Metropolitan Opera shared a TikTok video showcasing conductors, musicians, and backstage staff in rehearsal for a New York City performance.

Moreover, the clip highlighted the intricate work behind the scenes, captioned: “This one’s for you, Timothée Chalamet… [watching eyes emoji].”

Across the Atlantic, the Royal Ballet and Opera posted performance footage on Instagram and invited Chalamet to witness the power of live performance.

“Every night at the Royal Opera House, thousands of people gather for ballet and opera. For the music. For the storytelling. For the sheer magic of live performance. If you’d like to reconsider, tchalamet, our doors are open,” they wrote.

Grammy-winning opera singer Isabelle Leonard expressed shock at the actor’s comments: “I feel shocked that someone so seemingly successful can be so ineloquent and narrow-minded in his views about art, while considering himself an artist as I would only imagine one would as an actor.”

Mezzo-soprano Deepa Johnny added, “What a disappointing take. There is nothing more impressive than the magic of live theatre, ballet, and opera.

"We should be trying to uplift these art forms and artists and come together across disciplines to do that. The impact of these mediums is long-lasting and life-changing.”