Misty Copeland is speaking out after Timothe Chalamet claimed that no one cares about ballet and opera.

The retired American Ballet Theatre dancer addressed the Marty Supreme actor, whose recent comments on the art forms sparked controversy, while speaking on a panel on March 8.

First I have to say that its very interesting that he invited me to be a part of promoting Marty Supreme with respect to my art form, Copeland said, referencing a November 2025 collaborative Instagram post.The social media promotion, which was shared by both Copeland and the Marty Supreme Instagram account, included a photo of Copeland wearing a Marty Supreme windbreaker and a photo of her dancing ballet as a child. But I think that its important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form thats not popular and a part of pop culture as movies are, she said at the at the launch of Aveeno and TOGETHXRs The Strength Issue in New York. But that doesnt mean it doesnt have enduring relevance in culture.

Copeland, who a decade ago became the first Black principal ballerina in ABTs history, explained that it is often mistaken when something is popular that its meaningful or more impactful.

Theres a reason that the opera and ballet have been around for over 400 years, she said, adding that access and opportunity can change your life.

Thats the work that Ive been doing my whole career is to bring more people into it, Copeland shared. So that people do understand the importance and the relevance of it in our communities and our culture, and you see it reflected everywhere.

I mean, he wouldnt be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it werent for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium, the ballerina said about Chalamet. So all of these mediums have a space and we shouldnt be comparing them.

Both Copeland and Chalamet are both expected to attend the 2026 Oscars on Sunday, March 15. Copeland is scheduled to appear during a performance of Sinners Oscar-nominated original song I Lied to You led by Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq. Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, Alice Smith, Eric Gales, Brittany Howard, Christone Kingfish Ingram and Sinners actresses Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li will also be making an appearance during the segment.

Chalamet is nominated for best actor for his performance in Marty Supreme. His fellow nominees include Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners) and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent).

Hosted by Conan OBrien, the 2026 Oscars will air live on Sunday on ABC and Hulu from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles at 4 p.m. PT.