NEW YORK: Hollywood star Charlize Theron has criticised Timothée Chalamet for his controversial claim that “no one cares” about opera or ballet, calling it a “reckless comment” on the arts.
Chalamet made the remarks during a CNN and Variety town hall event in February, amid his Oscars campaign for Marty Supreme, sparking backlash on social media and within the arts community.
The actor said he did not want theatrical cinema to follow the path of “ballet or opera”, suggesting that artists are trying to “keep this thing alive” even though “no one cares” about it any more.
Speaking to The New York Times, Theron responded strongly when asked about the comments, particularly while discussing her respect for dancers.
“Oh, boy, I hope I run into him one day,” she said. “That was a very reckless comment on an art form — two art forms — that we need to support constantly, because, yes, they do face challenges.
“But in 10 years, AI may be able to do Timothée’s job, but it will not be able to replace a person performing live on stage.”
Theron, a trained ballet dancer who studied at the Joffrey Ballet School, began dancing at the age of four before a knee injury ended her aspirations.
Reflecting on her experience, she emphasised the discipline and resilience required in dance.
“We shouldn’t put down other art forms,” she said. “Dance taught me discipline, structure and hard work. It taught me to be tough.
“There were times I had blood infections from blisters that never healed. You do not get a day off — I am talking about bleeding through your shoes. It is a mindset of never giving up; there is no other option.”
(With inputs from PTI)
