Oscar-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet has triggered a backlash from the performing arts world after he dismissed ballet and opera as art forms that audiences do not care about.
Chalamet had been talking to Matthew McConaughey at the University of Texas in February about efforts to preserve cinema.
"I don't want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it's like, 'Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore.'," Chalamet said.
"All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there", he quickly added.
The actor's comments have drawn criticism from stage stars, opera houses and ballet companies - but some saw his words as a promotional opportunity.
