Misty Copeland has entered the chat about Timothée Chalamet’s viral claim that “no one cares about” ballet and opera anymore.
The retired American Ballet Theatre dancer, who made history as the first Black woman principal dancer at the ABT, weighed in on the Oscar nominee’s recent comments about the performance art forms being obsolete while she spoke on a panel for Aveeno on March 8.
During the event, Copeland pointed out Chalamet’s hypocrisy, reminding the audience that she was part of a promo for the actor’s “Marty Supreme” film, which hit theaters in late December.
“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,” the dancer said.
Copeland appeared to be referring to a November 2025 collaborative promotional Instagram post that was shared by both the film’s official Instagram account and Copeland. The post included a photo of the dancer donning a “Marty Supreme” jacket and a photo of Copeland dancing ballet as a child with the caption “Dream Big.”
“But I think that it’s important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that is not popular and a part of pop culture as movies are,” she continued. “But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have enduring relevance in culture.”
Copeland argued that it is “often mistaken when something is popular that it’s more meaningful or more impactful.”
She then added, “There’s a reason that the opera and ballet have been around for over 400 years,” before noting that “access and opportunity” can “change your life.”
“That’s the work that I’ve been doing … my whole career is to bring more people into it,” Copeland shared. “So that people do understand the importance and the relevance of it in our communities and our culture, and you see it reflected everywhere.”
Copeland then took aim at the “Dune” star, telling the audience that “he 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.”
Concluding her message, the ballerina said, “So all of these mediums have a space, and we shouldn’t be comparing them.”
Chalamet made his controversial comments about ballet and opera in February at a celebrity.land and Variety town hall event in Austin, Texas, alongside Matthew McConaughey.
“I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore,’” he told McConaughey during the event.
Chalamet immediately added, “All respect to the ballet and opera people out there.”
He then added, “Damn, I just took shots for no reason.”
Chalamet has not yet publicly addressed Copeland’s remarks. Representatives for Chalamet didn’t immediately respond to celebrity.land’s request for comment.
Copeland’s remarks about the actor come just days before she and Chalamet are scheduled to appear at the Oscars on Sunday. Copeland is expected to join in on a performance for the Oscar-nominated song “I Lied to You” from “Sinners,” while Chalamet is up for another nod this awards season for Best Actor for his role in “Marty Supreme.”
The esteemed dancer was among other celebrities and social media users who slammed Chalamet over his opinion. Several ballet and opera companies, like The Los Angeles Opera and London’s Royal Ballet and Opera, also clapped back at him on social media.
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