Doja Cat Walks Back Criticism of Timothée Chalamet's Comments on Opera and Ballet

The recent controversy began when actor Timothée Chalamet, during a CNN and Variety Town Hall event alongside Matthew McConaughey, expressed his concerns about the future of movie theaters. He stated he did not want them to become like "opera or ballet," where artists strive to keep the art forms alive despite a perceived lack of public interest. Chalamet's comments, which suggested that "no one cares" about these classical art forms anymore, sparked significant backlash across social media and from various figures in the arts community.

Grammy-winning rapper Doja Cat joined the criticism of Chalamet in a now-deleted TikTok video, asserting that people do care about opera and ballet. She emphasized the historical significance of these art forms, noting that opera dates back approximately 400 years and ballet around 500 years. In her video, she directly mocked Chalamet, stating, “You show up in a nice outfit, sit down and shut up,” referring to the etiquette expected at such performances.

Express TribuneDoja Cat admits she criticised Timothée Chalamet for 'likes' and 'approval'The New Zealand Herald

However, in a follow-up TikTok video, Doja Cat retracted her criticism, admitting she had never attended a ballet or opera performance. She acknowledged that her initial reaction was driven by a desire to participate in the outrage culture prevalent on social media. “I took it upon myself yesterday to kind of give it to the man because there is a culture based around outrage,” she explained. Doja Cat described her actions as "virtue signaling," motivated by a need to connect with others and gain attention online.

Despite Doja Cat's retraction, criticism of Chalamet's remarks persisted. Prominent figures such as Whoopi Goldberg and ballet icon Misty Copeland voiced their disapproval. Copeland questioned why Chalamet had invited her to promote his upcoming film "Marty Supreme" if he believed ballet was irrelevant. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also defended the significance of opera and ballet, stating, “They are not arts of the past, but living languages that can still move us.”

In her video, Doja Cat expressed regret over her initial comments, stating, “I wanted to look like a hero, and that’s what happened. And when I got it, I didn’t like it so much.” She reflected on her desire for validation and connection, admitting, “I think I just wanted a hug. I wanted to feel like I was part of something bigger than myself.”

Express Tribune

As of now, Timothée Chalamet has not publicly responded to the backlash regarding his comments. The incident highlights the complexities of public discourse surrounding cultural institutions and the impact of social media on celebrity interactions.