Oscars Extra: Timmy Torches Tosca

As everyone knows by now, Timothée Chalamet, whom I recently considered one of the greats, casually asserted during a February CNN Town Hall with fellow actor Matthew McConaughey that “no one cares” about opera or ballet. This comment has elicited ongoing rebukes within and way beyond the arts community. The furor is not dying down.

Oscar night looms and Timmy's chances of winning a trophy atrophy by the moment.

The Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Ballet both fought back. The Seattle Opera cleverly offered a special discount to anyone who used the code "Timothée." Cultural elites and everyday people alike underscored the actor’s arrogance while questioning his talent.

Some additional context is warranted. Chalamet and McConaughey were discussing how tough it is to keep movie theaters full. In their own way, they admitted there are issues in their own industry. (I wholeheartedly agree.) But Timmy got carried away and made a very foolish and unkind comment. Plus, his mother and sister are trained ballet dancers who performed with the New York City Ballet.

The great Nathan Lane called Timmy a "schmuck" on The View on Thursday. Among other things, Lane questioned why CNN thought a meeting of the minds with Chalamet and McConaughey was necessary in the first place, and why the Democrats weren’t holding a town hall to discuss removing the current “lunatic” from the White House. 

As the leading figure in the new Hollywood elite, Timmy should be careful with his words and avoid dismissing fellow artists. A sincere, heartfelt apology might help, but so far, he has kept his smug mouth shut. 

Let me also add that no one with a brain cares about the garbage TV that made his girlfriend’s family famous.

Even though I'm not one for opera or ballet, I feel offended on behalf of divas and ballerinas everywhere. I don’t think I can stomach Timmy anymore, no matter what his talents are. 

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