Doja Cat has joined the backlash against Timothée Chalamet after the actor made controversial comments about opera and ballet.
Chalamet’s Remarks Spark Debate
During a panel discussion with Matthew McConaughey last month, Chalamet suggested that ballet and opera were art forms people “don’t care about anymore.” He contrasted them with cinema, saying he didn’t want to work in industries that needed to be “kept alive” despite waning public interest. Although he quickly added, “All respect to the ballet and opera people out there,” his comments drew criticism from performers and fans of the arts.
Doja Cat’s Response
On Sunday, Doja Cat posted a TikTok video — later deleted — directly addressing Chalamet’s remarks. “Opera is 400 years old. Ballet is 500 years old,” she said. “Somebody named Timothée Chalamet — big guy, by the way — had the nerve to say on camera that nobody cares about it.”
She insisted that both art forms remain vibrant and respected. “I’m sure you can walk into an opera theatre right now, seats will be filled out, and nobody’s saying a word as the performance is going because everybody has that much respect for it.”
Defending the Arts
The Paint the Town Red singer praised ballet dancers for their dedication and described ballet as “an amazing theatre medium.” She emphasized that industries go through difficult times, but that doesn’t mean audiences stop caring.
“There’s still an audience. People give a fk. You show up in a nice outfit, you sit the fk down and you shut the f**k up. That’s the usual etiquette around those things. Maybe learn something from that,” she added.
Ongoing Conversation
Doja Cat’s comments highlight the broader debate about the relevance of traditional art forms in modern culture. While Chalamet framed his remarks around preserving cinema, critics argue that opera and ballet continue to thrive with dedicated audiences worldwide. Her defense of the performing arts resonated with fans who applauded her for standing up for centuries-old traditions.
