• by Tanya Gazdik , March 10, 2026

After Oscar-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet alleged that "no one cares" about ballet and opera during a recent interview, theater companies and others have been weighing in on the remarks.

The viral interview clip “sparked backlash from performers, his high school's principal — and even Doja Cat,” according to Yahoo Entertainment. 

The controversy made its way to "Saturday Night Live," where Colin Jost noted during “Weekend Update” that Chalamet was “being criticized by major opera and ballet organizations after he said that no one cares about those art forms.” His punchline? That the actor “made the comment on a press tour for his movie about ... ping-pong.”

Meanwhile, the Boston Ballet said it was giving Chalamet an “opportunity to change [his] mind.” The English National Opera extended an invite for free tickets. London’s Royal Ballet and Opera urged him to reconsider.

“The comments have, as you might express, drawn fierce criticism from the opera and ballet communities,” according to Creative Bloq. “But one opera company has used the controversy as an ingenious marketing opportunity.”

The Seattle Opera posted on Instagram: ”All we've got to say is... use promo code TIMOTHEE to save 14% off select seats for Carmen, through this weekend only. Timmy, you're welcome to use it too. See you at the opera!”

The 14% represents the "cents of viewership" Chalamet suggested he was going to lose as a result of the comments.

The Metropolitan Opera also responded in a video montage posted on Instagram highlighting several behind-the-scenes departments involved in putting on a stage production including musicians, costumers and set designers, while also reframing a portion of Timothée’s statement, according to E! News. 

“All respect to the opera (and ballet) people out there,” the organization wrote in onscreen text, adding in the caption, “This one’s for you, @tchalamet…”

Individual performers are also expressing their feelings on social media. 

"Tiler Peck, principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, posted a video and caption to her Instagram,” according to People. “Ballet legend Misty Copeland was among many entertainment industry heavyweights that have publicly objected to Chalamet’s comments.”