Jamie Lee Curtis has joined a growing backlash against Timothée Chalamet after the Oscar nominee made dismissive remarks about opera and ballet. The actor, nominated for his role in Marty Supreme, faced criticism following a recorded conversation with Matthew McConaughey for CNN/Variety on 24 February.
In the video, Chalamet said he did not want to work in ballet or opera, describing them as art forms that 'no one cares about any more'. He quickly added that he meant no disrespect, saying, 'All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there... I just lost 14 cents in viewership.'
Broadway dancer Zach McNally posted an Instagram video questioning why Chalamet would attack such art forms at a time when AI threatens all creative work. Curtis reshared the post and later shared clips from companies including Amsterdam's Nationale Opera & Ballet. Dancer Amar Smalls also won support after comparing the cost of opera and ballet tickets with the likes of Wonka, prompting agreement from figures such as Misty Copeland and Eva Mendes.
The controversy has drawn reactions from major institutions, including London's Royal Ballet and Opera, the English National Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera. The Seattle Opera used the moment to promote Carmen, offering a 14% discount with the code TIMOTHEE, a nod to Chalamet's remark about losing 14 cents.
Chalamet's comments are notable given his family background: his mother and grandmother were both professional dancers, and he has spoken of growing up around the New York City Ballet. A letter from his former school, LaGuardia High School, said, 'We know your heart, and we know you know better.' Voting for the Oscars closed before the fallout had fully gathered.
