Misty Copeland says Timothe Chalamet wouldn’t be an actor without ballet and opera

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 Theater dancer, who made history as the first black principal dancer at ABT, weighed in on the Oscar nominee’s recent comments about 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 promotion for the actor’s film “Marty Supreme,” which hit theaters in late December.

“First, I have to say that it’s very interesting that you invited me to be part of the ‘Marty Supreme’ promotion regarding my art form,” the dancer said.

Copeland seemed to refer to November 2025 collaborative Instagram promotional post that was shared by both the film’s official Instagram account and Copeland. The post included a photo of the dancer wearing a “Marty Supreme” jacket and a photo of Copeland dancing ballet as a child with the caption “Dream Big.”

“But I think it’s important that we recognize that yes, this is an art form that is not popular and is as much a part of pop culture as movies are,” he continued. “But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have lasting relevance in the culture.”

Copeland argued that “when something is popular is often mistaken for thinking that it is more significant or more impactful.”

He then added, “There’s a reason opera and ballet have been around for over 400 years,” before noting that “access and opportunity” can “change your life.”

“That’s the work I’ve been doing…my whole career is attracting more people,” Copeland shared. “So that people understand the importance and relevance of this in our communities and our culture, and see it reflected everywhere.”

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Copeland then took aim at the “Dune” star, telling the audience that “he wouldn’t be an actor or 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 dancer said: “So all these media have a space and we should not compare them.”

Chalamet made his controversial comments about ballet and opera in February at a CNN and Variety event in Austin, Texas, alongside Matthew McConaughey.

“I don’t want to work in ballet or opera or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this alive, even though no one cares anymore,’” he told McConaughey during the event.

Chalamet immediately added: “All due respect to the people of ballet and opera.”

Then he added: “Damn, I just shot for no reason.”

Chalamet has not yet commented publicly on Copeland’s comments. Representatives for Chalamet did not immediately respond to News’s request for comment.

Copeland’s comments about the actor come just days before she and Chalamet appear at the Oscars on Sunday. Copeland is expected to join in for a performance of the Oscar-nominated song “I Lied to You” from “Sinners,” while Chalamet is aiming for another nomination this awards season in Best Actor for his role in “Marty Supreme.”