# @etalkctv on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DVjHVzxji7c
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/58773208-etalkctv-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/53d4cf6e24.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-06T15:51:32.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Etalk (@etalkctv) — https://gondola.cc/etalkctv

## Caption

Timothée Chalamet is facing backlash (and some support!) after an offhand comment about ballet and opera sparked debate online. 👀

During a Feb. 24 conversation with Matthew McConaughey at the University of Texas at Austin for a Variety and CNN town hall, the actor was discussing Hollywood’s push to keep movie theatres culturally relevant when he made the remark.

“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.’ All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there,” Chalamet said, drawing laughs from the crowd.

The comment quickly drew criticism from performers in those fields — including Canadian mezzo-soprano opera singer Deepa Johnny, who wrote, “what a disappointing take. There is nothing more impressive than the magic of live theatre, ballet and opera. We should be trying to uplift these art forms, these artists and come together across disciplines to do that. The impact of these mediums are long lasting and life changing.”

Others online defended Chalamet, arguing his point was about the challenge of keeping moviegoing alive — not a literal dismissal of other art forms.

Chalamet himself seemed aware the comment might not land well, joking moments later: “I just lost 14 cents in viewership. I just took shots for no reason.” 

SWIPE ➡️ for the clip and reactions, and let us know what you think of Timmy’s thoughts in the comments! ⬇️

(📷: Getty/Brianna Bryson 📹: YouTube/Variety)
#TimotheeChalamet #Chalamet #MatthewMcConaughey #Ballet #Opera

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## Tags

timotheechalamet, chalamet, opera, matthewmcconaughey, ballet

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