Justine Bateman Defends Ballet and Opera After Timothee Chalamet's Controversial Comments

The actress spoke up in support of the enduring performing arts after Chalamet claimed 'no one cares' about them anymore.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 6:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Actress Justine Bateman has weighed in on the ongoing debate sparked by Timothée Chalamet's recent comments criticizing ballet and opera. In a post on X, Bateman defended the longevity and cultural significance of these classical performing arts, stating that 'every filmmaker should pray they're [sic] film/series lasts as long as the work from those enduring performing arts.' Chalamet's remarks, made during a CNN and Variety town hall, suggested that these art forms are niche and no longer relevant, drawing backlash from the theater community.

Why it matters

Bateman's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between traditional performing arts and the film/TV industry, as well as the debate around the relevance and sustainability of different art forms in the modern era. The discussion touches on broader questions of cultural preservation, artistic elitism, and the evolving tastes and consumption patterns of audiences.

The details

In his controversial remarks, Chalamet criticized classical performing arts, saying '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.' Bateman responded by defending the enduring legacy of ballet and opera, which she noted have existed for centuries longer than the film and TV industries. Her comments suggest that these traditional art forms continue to have a dedicated following and cultural significance, even if they may not enjoy the same widespread popularity as some contemporary media.

  • On March 9, 2026, Justine Bateman posted her comments on X in response to Timothée Chalamet's remarks.
  • Chalamet made his controversial comments during a CNN and Variety town hall on February 24, 2026.

The players

Justine Bateman

A 60-year-old actress known for her roles in shows like 'Family Ties' and films such as 'Satisfaction.' She has spoken up in defense of ballet and opera after Timothée Chalamet's critical comments about these art forms.

Timothée Chalamet

A 30-year-old actor known for his roles in films like 'Call Me By Your Name' and 'Little Women.' He sparked controversy with his comments criticizing ballet and opera, suggesting that 'no one cares about this anymore.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ballet, Opera, and Theater work has been around much longer than that of Film and TV. Every filmmaker should pray they're [sic] film/series lasts as long as the work from those enduring performing arts.”

— Justine Bateman, Actress

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional performing arts and the film/TV industry, as well as the challenges of preserving cultural heritage in an evolving entertainment landscape. It raises questions about the relevance and sustainability of different art forms, and the role of artists and audiences in shaping the cultural landscape.