Actor Timothée Chalamet is facing criticism after controversial remarks about the relevance of ballet and opera during a public discussion.

Speaking at a CNN & Variety Town Hall with actor Matthew McConaughey, Chalamet said he hopes movie theaters do not suffer the same fate as “ballet or opera,” suggesting those art forms struggle to remain relevant.

He added a self-deprecating remark about losing “14 cents in viewership” after making the comment, a statement that quickly circulated online and drew backlash.

The criticism intensified on The View, where host Sunny Hostin said she was “offended” by the statement and questioned Chalamet’s understanding of the arts.

Veteran host Whoopi Goldberg also condemned the remarks, saying it is disrespectful to diminish another art form while promoting one’s own.

Goldberg warned that attempts to soften criticism with phrases like “no disrespect” after making dismissive comments still amount to clear disrespect.

The wider arts community quickly responded. The Royal Ballet and Opera in London shared footage of performers and craftsmen, emphasizing that thousands of audiences still attend live ballet and opera performances every night.

The English National Opera also extended an invitation to Chalamet to attend a performance and experience the art form firsthand.

Meanwhile, Seattle Opera joined the conversation by offering a 14% discount on tickets for its production of Carmen using the promotional code “Timothée,” a playful response to the actor’s “14 cents” comment.

Singer Doja Cat also weighed in through a now-deleted TikTok post, pointing out that opera and ballet have histories spanning hundreds of years and continue to draw dedicated audiences worldwide.

The controversy has reignited discussions about respect for traditional performing arts, highlighting the enduring cultural significance of opera and ballet even in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.