Jamie Lee Curtis has joined a growing chorus of criticism against Timothée Chalamet after the Oscar nominee made disparaging remarks about opera and ballet. During a CNN/Variety video conversation with Matthew McConaughey on 24 February, Chalamet said he did not want to work in those art forms, describing them as things 'no one cares about any more'.
The actor quickly attempted to backtrack, adding: 'All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there ... I just lost 14 cents in viewership.' However, the comments sparked widespread backlash, with Broadway dancer Zach McNally posting an Instagram video questioning why artists would attack each other at a time when AI threatens all art forms.
Curtis reshared McNally's video and posted clips from opera and ballet companies. Dancer Amar Smalls also criticised Chalamet, noting that opera and ballet tickets are expensive because they are 'high art', adding: 'Ain't nobody dressing up to see Wonka.' His post received support from figures including Sam Taylor-Johnson, Misty Copeland, and Eva Mendes.
Chalamet's comments are surprising given his family background: his mother and grandmother were both professional dancers, with his mother teaching ballet for 25 years. He previously spoke fondly of growing up backstage at the New York City Ballet. The principal of his former high school, LaGuardia, wrote an open letter saying: 'We know your heart, and we know you know better.'
Several opera companies, including London's Royal Ballet and Opera and the Metropolitan Opera, criticised the remarks. The Seattle Opera turned the controversy into a promotion, offering 14% off tickets with the promo code TIMOTHEE.
