Jamie Lee Curtis says Timothee Chalamet will regret ‘silly’ opera-ballet remark: 'Disrespectful'

Timothee Chalamet said he does not want to work in ballet, opera or art forms kept alive even though, in his view, no one cares about them anymore
Jamie Lee Curtis said Timothee Chalamet likely regrets his comment, stressing performing arts are too important and adding that her daughter Annie works as a dance instructor (Getty Images)
Jamie Lee Curtis said Timothee Chalamet likely regrets his comment, stressing performing arts are too important and adding that her daughter Annie works as a dance instructor (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Oscar-winning actor Jamie Lee Curtis has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Timothee Chalamet after his recent remarks about ballet and opera sparked debate online.

In a recent interview, Curtis described Chalamet’s statement as “silly” and expressed concern that these comments might negatively impact his professional reputation in the long run.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Jamie Lee Curtis arrives at the Variety's 2025 Power Of Women at The Beverly Hills Hotel on October 29, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)
Jamie Lee Curtis arrives at the Variety's 2025 Power Of Women at The Beverly Hills Hotel on October 29, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California (Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

Jamie Lee Curtis calls Timothee Chalamet’s comment ‘silly’

While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Jamie Lee Curtis shared her honest thoughts on the situation and her disappointment.

She stated, “his comments are silly, and I’m sorry that they’re going to be a bit of his legacy now,” she said.

Curtis believes that, as an actor, it is a mistake to disrespect traditional arts that have existed for centuries. “I’m sure he regrets the comment because you can’t throw those art forms under a bus. You can’t do it. They’re too important,” she explained.



Timothee Chalamet sparks backlash with ‘no one cares’ remark

The controversy began after Chalamet made remarks during a public discussion about the future of the movie industry.

Chalamet was speaking with his 'Interstellar' co-star Matthew McConaughey at a town hall event organised by Variety and CNN when he mentioned that artistic industries struggle to stay popular with modern audiences.

“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,’” he said during the talk.

Even though he tried to joke about it moments later by saying, “I just lost 14 cents in viewership. I just took shots for no reason,” his words had already started a heated debate among fans and artists.

Timothée Chalamet attends the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/FilmMagic)
Timothee Chalamet attends the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California (Chelsea Guglielmino/FilmMagic)

Jamie Lee Curtis defends survival of traditional arts

Furthermore, Curtis admitted that while fewer people might go to see ballet or opera today, that does not mean they are going to disappear.

“Does that mean there’s not a reduction in audiences for those art forms? I’m sure there is. Does that mean it’s going to be the destruction of those art forms? No,” she argued.

She pointed out that old traditions often survive even as technology and industries change, noting that “People still shoot on film, by the way.”

While criticising Chalamet’s remarks, Curtis also talked about how hard it is for many performers to find work in Hollywood right now, calling it a "desperate time" for the industry.

However, she remains hopeful that storytelling will continue to thrive despite these challenges. “I believe that the industry will survive, I think we’re in more of a transition phase. Nobody knows what makes anything successful. You just have to trust the art form,” she said.

RELATED TOPICS 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Jodie Sweetin reflected on her close bond with her former 'Full House' co-star and recalled spending time with him during his recovery
9 hours ago
In her emotional tribute, Lydia Plath referenced her late brother Joshua, who died at 17 months old in 2008 following a farming accident
9 hours ago
John Travolta reflected on family loss as he celebrated Kelly Preston's birthday, while his latest film honored his wife, son and parents
9 hours ago
Paul McCartney was around 21 when he first met Queen Elizabeth, who was crowned at 25 in June 1953
10 hours ago
Denise Richards also discussed changing attitudes toward cosmetic surgery and why she wanted to credit her plastic surgeon for the results
10 hours ago
Olivier Martinez alleged Halle Berry attacked their son during an argument while he played a virtual reality game at her home on September 26
10 hours ago
Tommy Lee Jones discussed his role in ‘The Lowdown,’ his television return, and working with Ethan Hawke after three years away from the red carpet
11 hours ago
Chuck Lorre initially opposed casting Anna Faris in ‘Mom’ but reconsidered after reflecting on his strained relationship with Charlie Sheen
12 hours ago
John Stamos also reflected on how his late friend continues to bring him joy through his eight-year-old son, Billy, years after his death
12 hours ago
Hilary Swank shared a playful family dance with husband Philip Schneider and twins Aya and Ohm, hinting at a December arrival
12 hours ago