Misty Copeland Responds to Timothée Chalamet’s Assertion That “No One Cares” About Opera and Ballet

Misty Copeland (Photo: thenews2.com/Depositphotos) and Timothée Chalamet (Photo: Image Press Agency/Depositphotos)

Dancer Misty Copeland has called out actor and *Marty Supreme* star Timothée Chalamet regarding his remarks about opera and ballet. The former American Ballet Theatre figure has become one of the most prominent voices to challenge Chalamet’s statements after he mentioned that “no one cares” about these apparently fading art forms.

“First, I must say that it’s quite intriguing that he invited me to participate in promoting *Marty Supreme* related to my art form,” Copeland stated at an Aveeno panel, clips of which circulated on social media. The dancer was involved in the campaign for the Oscar-nominated film. In a collaborative post, she is seen sporting a Marty Supreme-branded jacket, while another slide displays a childhood photo of her as a ballet dancer with the caption “Dream Big,” the tagline of the movie.

Chalamet initially remarked, “I don’t want to be involved in ballet or opera. Things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore.’” Copeland replied: “I believe it’s crucial that we recognize that yes, this is an art form that’s not ‘popular’ and a part of pop culture like movies are, but that doesn’t imply it lacks lasting significance in culture.”

Copeland further mentioned that there’s a reason opera and ballet have thrived for over 400 years. “It’s reflected everywhere. Basically, he wouldn’t be an actor and have the chances he has as a movie star if it weren’t for opera and ballet and their importance in that medium. All of these mediums hold a place, and we shouldn’t be making comparisons.”

Among other organizations responding to Chalamet’s comments are The Royal Ballet and Opera, which shared a reel showcasing the magic that unfolds on their stage nightly, along with the message, “If you’d like to reconsider, @tchalamet, our doors are open.” The Metropolitan Opera also contributed its own tribute to all the creatives involved in ballet and opera. Additionally, singer-songwriter Charlie Puth took a moment to honor centuries-old art forms, stating, “I feel compelled to express that even when an art form isn’t at its peak popularity, remnants of it still exist in the music and cinema that resonate with people today. The popular music we hear now simply wouldn’t be here without the popular music that preceded it.”

Adopting a more humorous approach, prediction market Polymarket released a video of two ballet dancers and an opera singer performing “Forever Young,” from the *Marty Supreme* soundtrack. Meanwhile, the Seattle Opera provided a discount for those using the code “TIMOTHEE” when purchasing tickets on their site.

In a recent interview with *Variety* & CNN Town Hall, actor Timothée Chalamet stated that “no one cares” about ballet and opera.

This offhand remark has spurred a lot of negative reactions from the public, along with a clever Polymarket advertisement.

Singer Charlie Puth, Royal Danish Ballet dancer Afonso Coelho, The Metropolitan Opera, and The Royal Ballet and Opera joined the conversation by honoring these art forms, their impact, and their relevance.

Renowned ballet dancer Misty Copeland has also addressed Chalamet’s comments, emphasizing 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.”