Misty Copeland Defends Ballet and Opera Against Timothée Chalamet's Remarks

The ballet dancer, who promoted Chalamet's film, says the actor 'wouldn't be an actor' without the influence of classical art forms.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:44am

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Ballet dancer Misty Copeland has joined the growing backlash against actor Timothée Chalamet over his recent comments dismissing the relevance of ballet and opera. Copeland, who was involved in promoting Chalamet's film 'Marty Supreme', said it was 'very interesting' that Chalamet invited her to be part of the film's marketing despite his critical remarks about classical art forms. Copeland defended ballet and opera, stating that these mediums have 'enduring relevance in culture' and that Chalamet 'wouldn't be an actor' without their influence.

Why it matters

Copeland's comments add to the ongoing criticism from the ballet and opera communities in response to Chalamet's remarks, which many saw as dismissive of these art forms. The debate highlights the tensions between mainstream Hollywood and more niche cultural institutions, as well as the importance of acknowledging the historical and continued relevance of classical performing arts.

The details

During a panel for Aveeno, Copeland said it was 'very interesting' that Chalamet invited her to promote 'Marty Supreme' given his comments about ballet and opera. She stated that these art forms 'have been around for over 400 years' and that Chalamet 'wouldn't be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren't for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium.' Copeland argued that all artistic mediums 'have a space' and should not be compared.

  • Copeland's comments were made during a panel for Aveeno in 2026.

The players

Misty Copeland

A renowned ballet dancer who was involved in promoting Timothée Chalamet's film 'Marty Supreme'.

Timothée Chalamet

An Oscar-nominated actor who recently made comments dismissing the relevance of ballet and opera.

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What they’re saying

“First I have to say that it's very interesting that he invited me to be a part of promoting 'Marty Supreme' with respect to my art form.”

— Misty Copeland (Aveeno panel)

“I think that it's important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that's not 'popular' and a part of pop culture as movies are, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have enduring relevance in culture.”

— Misty Copeland (Aveeno panel)

“There was a reason that the opera and ballet have been around for over 400 years, and [Chalamet] wouldn't be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren't for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium. So all of these mediums have a space and we shouldn't be comparing them.”

— Misty Copeland (Aveeno panel)

The takeaway

Copeland's defense of ballet and opera highlights the ongoing tensions between mainstream Hollywood and more niche cultural institutions, as well as the importance of acknowledging the historical and continued relevance of classical performing arts. Her comments add to the growing backlash against Chalamet's dismissive remarks, underscoring the need for greater appreciation and understanding of diverse artistic mediums.