Singer Doja Cat slams actor Timotthee Chalamet over opera/ballet remarks

Doja Cat has criticised comments made by Timothee Chalamet about opera and ballet, joining a growing number of voices defending the classical art forms. 

The hip-hop star posted a video on TikTok responding to the controversy, noting that opera and ballet have existed for centuries.

She pointed out that opera is more than 400 years old while ballet dates back roughly 500 years. During the video, she also mispronounced Chalamet’s name before criticising what she described as dismissive remarks about the genres. Doja Cat said the actor “had the nerve” to claim that people no longer care about opera or ballet.

She argued that performances still attract large audiences and suggested that if someone attended an opera house today it would likely be full. According to her, audiences remain quiet during performances because “they have so much respect” for the art form, which she described as “very beautiful.”

The singer also highlighted the physical demands placed on ballet performers, saying dancers endure intense pain and hardship because of their passion for the craft. Doja Cat added that even though the classical arts industry may be going through difficult periods, that does not mean audiences have lost interest.

Chalamet sparked criticism after saying he would not want to work in opera or ballet simply to preserve the art forms, claiming “no one cares about [opera or ballet] anymore.”  The comments were made during a CNN and Variety town hall event in Austin on February 21, where he was discussing the future of the film industry alongside Matthew McConaughey.

Following the remarks, several cultural institutions responded publicly. The Metropolitan Opera posted a video showing staff preparing for a performance with the caption: “This one’s for you, Timothée Chalamet.”

Watch Doja’s video below…