Ballet and Opera Companies Slam Timothée Chalamet Over 'No One Cares' Remark

The actor's comments about the art forms sparked backlash from major companies worldwide

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Timothée Chalamet faced criticism from ballet and opera companies around the world after making disparaging remarks about the art forms in a recent interview. Several companies, including the Los Angeles Opera, London's Royal Ballet and Opera, and New York City Ballet, responded on social media, defending the continued popularity and importance of ballet and opera.

Why it matters

Chalamet's comments were seen as dismissive of the ongoing relevance and cultural significance of ballet and opera, art forms that have long histories and dedicated followings. The backlash highlights the sensitivity of the performing arts community to perceived slights and the importance of artists supporting one another, even across different disciplines.

The details

In a town hall event with Matthew McConaughey, Chalamet said, 'I don't want to be working in ballet or opera. Things where it's like, 'Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore.'' He later acknowledged that his remarks could be seen as disparaging. Ballet and opera companies around the world, including the Los Angeles Opera, London's Royal Ballet and Opera, and New York City Ballet, responded on social media, defending the continued popularity and importance of their art forms.

  • In February 2026, Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey participated in a town hall event produced by Variety and CNN.
  • Chalamet's comments resurfaced and sparked a global response from ballet and opera companies this week.

The players

Timothée Chalamet

An American actor known for his roles in films such as 'Call Me By Your Name' and 'Little Women'.

Matthew McConaughey

An American actor who participated in the town hall event with Chalamet.

Los Angeles Opera

A major opera company based in Los Angeles.

London's Royal Ballet and Opera

The national ballet and opera companies of the United Kingdom, based in London.

Megan Fairchild

A dancer with the New York City Ballet.

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What they’re saying

“Sorry, @tchalamet. We'd offer you complimentary tickets to Akhnaten, but it's selling out. There are a few seats left to purchase if you hurry.”

— Los Angeles Opera (Social media)

“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.”

— London's Royal Ballet and Opera (Social media)

“Timmy, I didn't realize you were a world class dancer or opera singer, who simply chose not to pursue it because acting is more popular. Ballet and opera aren't niche hobbies people opt out of for fame.”

— Megan Fairchild, New York City Ballet dancer (Instagram)

“Good luck in the Oscar race. Artists supporting artists matters. None of these paths are easy, and there's no need to put ballet or opera down along the way.”

— Megan Fairchild, New York City Ballet dancer (Instagram)

“All respect to the opera (and ballet) people out there.”

— Metropolitan Opera (Social media)

The takeaway

Chalamet's remarks, despite his own family's history in the performing arts, were seen as dismissive of the continued relevance and cultural significance of ballet and opera. The backlash from major companies and artists highlights the sensitivity of the performing arts community to perceived slights and the importance of mutual respect and support among artists across disciplines.