Kevin O'Leary Defends Timothée Chalamet Amid Ballet and Opera Controversy

Timothée Chalamet, nominated for Best Actor at the 98th Academy Awards for his role in "Marty Supreme," faced backlash for comments he made regarding ballet and opera, describing them as "dying arts." This sparked a debate about the relevance and importance of classical art forms in contemporary society.

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Kevin O'Leary, known for his role on "Shark Tank" and as a co-star in "Marty Supreme," publicly defended Chalamet during the Oscars red carpet event. O'Leary emphasized Chalamet's character, stating, “He’s a really great guy,” and expressed confidence in Chalamet's chances of winning the award, noting that the voting process had concluded before the controversy emerged. O'Leary remarked, “The kid is a great kid. He took a bum rap on that,” suggesting that the criticism was unwarranted.

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Josh Groban, who performed at the Oscars, echoed O'Leary's sentiments, highlighting the necessity of the arts in fostering human connection. He stated, “We need the arts to remind us what our humanity is,” emphasizing that discussions surrounding Chalamet's comments have inadvertently sparked a celebration of ballet and opera. Groban noted the positive impact of the controversy, saying, “It’s had an accidentally positive effect,” and called for support of these art forms.

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In "Marty Supreme," Chalamet portrays Marty Mauser, contributing to the film's nine nominations at the Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. O'Leary shared insights into their filming experience, humorously recounting a scene where he struck Chalamet with a ping-pong paddle, stating, “But he stepped up at 3:45 in the morning and said, ‘I want it to be mine.’” This anecdote highlights Chalamet's commitment to his craft.

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O'Leary's defense of Chalamet reflects a broader sentiment among supporters of the arts, who argue that the controversy surrounding Chalamet's remarks should not overshadow the value of classical art forms. Both O'Leary and Groban advocate for a renewed appreciation of ballet and opera, suggesting that the dialogue initiated by Chalamet's comments could lead to greater awareness and support for these disciplines.

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• “He’s a really great guy,” — Kevin O'Leary, Host of "Shark Tank."

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• “I just put 1000 bucks on Kalshi walking in here that he’s going to win, because I know the voting stops long before that controversy happened. The kid is a great kid. He took a bum rap on that. And by the way, gave a lot of promo to opera houses and ballet.” — Kevin O'Leary, Host of "Shark Tank."

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• “But he stepped up at 3:45 in the morning and said, ‘I want it to be mine.'” — Kevin O'Leary, Host of "Shark Tank."

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This ongoing discussion highlights the intersection of celebrity, art, and public perception, illustrating how a single comment can ignite a larger conversation about cultural values and the importance of artistic expression.

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