One unexpected angle in the recent backlash against actor Timothée Chalamet surfaced in a post on the social media platform Threads. The user noted that Chalamet’s comments about opera and ballet bear an unusual resemblance to the views once expressed by the late President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov, known for his eccentric reforms.
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In 2001, Niyazov — who styled himself Turkmenbashi, or «leader of all Turkmens» — abolished the country’s opera and ballet theater, arguing that the art forms were alien to Turkmen national traditions.
Speaking on national television, the president said:
«How can you instill a love of ballet in a Turkmen if ballet isn’t in his blood? You can’t try to import an art that originated elsewhere; you need to develop your own national art. I don’t understand ballet; why do I need it?»
Chalamet interview sparks backlash
The comparison emerged after Chalamet faced a wave of criticism last week following a lengthy interview with Matthew McConaughey.
During the conversation, Chalamet appeared to argue that he did not want moviegoing to become a niche pursuit. In explaining his point, he referenced other art forms that rely on dedicated supporters to sustain them.
«I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera or things where it’s like, ‘Keep this thing alive even though no one cares about this anymore,’» he said.
Realizing how the remark might be received, he quickly added:
«All respect to the ballet and opera people out there. I just lost 14 cents in viewership. Damn, I just took shots for no reason.»
Response from the arts community
The comments prompted a swift response from ballet and opera artists and companies, many of whom publicly defended the cultural importance and continued relevance of their art forms.
