Doja Cat has entered the ongoing debate surrounding Timothée Chalamet’s recent controversial remarks about ballet and opera, defending the art forms amid widespread backlash. The singer responded to Chalamet’s claim that “no one cares” about ballet and opera, emphasizing the deep respect and dedication that these disciplines command.
Chalamet sparked outrage after making his comments during a February CNN/Variety town hall, but Doja Cat’s rebuttal sheds light on the passion and commitment of those involved in ballet and opera, underscoring their enduring cultural significance.
Doja Cat’s Response Highlights the Legacy and Dedication in Ballet and Opera
In a TikTok video posted on March 8, which has since been deleted, Doja Cat strongly countered Chalamet’s statements. She noted the long history of both art forms, saying,
“Opera is 400 years old. Ballet is 500 years old.”
She expressed disbelief that Chalamet had the audacity to claim no one cares about these traditions, insisting that opera houses remain filled and performances proceed with solemn respect.
She continued, stressing the strict etiquette and reverence surrounding these art forms:
“There is an etiquette around opera. There is etiquette around ballet. It’s amazing. It’s an amazing theater medium. It’s f—ing beautiful and people go there every day to the dance studio. Dancers show up at 8am, 6am. They show up and they break and they bleed, every single day. Just because they have respect for it.”
The Discipline and Passion of Ballet and Opera Performers
Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, highlighted the unwavering love performers have for their craft regardless of industry struggles. She said,
“They love what they do. It doesn’t matter if the industry is having a tough time at any time, which a lot of industries have a tough time.”
Pointing out that setbacks affect all fields, she remarked,
“Your industry has a tough time. My industry has a tough time. Doesn’t mean people don’t care about it. People care.”
She concluded by asserting the ongoing respect from audiences and performers alike:
“The dancers care, the singers care, the audience cares. There’s still an audience. People give a f—. You show up in a nice outfit. You sit the f— down and shut the f— up. That’s the usual etiquette around those things. Maybe learn something from that.”
Chalamet Faces Industry-Wide Backlash Over Remarks
Timothée Chalamet’s remarks were made during a town hall interview with Matthew McConaughey, where he addressed concerns about the shrinking audience for theater performances and movies alike. He explained,
“It does take you having to wave a flag of, ‘Hey, this is a serious movie’ or something. And some people want to be [entertained] quickly.”
Chalamet admitted he personally sympathizes with efforts to sustain theater but expressed frustration about promoting art forms he feels no longer capture wide public interest. He said,
“I’m really right in the middle, Matthew, because I admire people — and I have done it myself — to go on a talk show about, ‘Hey, we got to keep movie theaters alive. We got to keep this genre alive.’”
He went on to say,
“I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore.’”
Chalamet then acknowledged the professional community with,
“All respect to the ballet and opera people out there,”
before wryly adding,
“I just lost 14 cents in viewership. I just took shots for no reason.”
Responses from Ballet and Opera Entities underscore Their Importance
The backlash to Chalamet’s comment has been strong, with many in the ballet and opera communities speaking out. The Metropolitan Opera shared a video highlighting the efforts of set decorators, musicians, costumers, and technical staff involved in productions, captioned, This one’s for you, @tchalamet.
Similarly, London’s Royal Ballet and Opera posted a video beginning with Chalamet’s controversial quote before cutting to cheering audiences, paired with text stating, We care. These responses emphasize the dedication and loyalty of both performers and audiences despite challenges.
The Broader Cultural Impact of the Ballet Controversy
The exchange between Chalamet and figures like Doja Cat illustrates a tense moment for ballet and opera amid shifting public tastes and ongoing industry challenges. While the actor expressed skepticism about mass interest in these art forms, performers and supporters have reaffirmed their relevance and enduring appeal.
This controversy has sparked a wider conversation around valuing traditional arts and the sacrifices made by those who keep them alive, highlighting a divide between public perception and the lived realities of these cultural institutions and their communities.
