Misty Copeland slams Timothée Chalamet's comments on ballet

Misty Copeland, one of America's premier ballerinas, is speaking out against derogatory comments made by actor Timothée Chalamet against the art form.

Copeland, 43, said during a panel for the cosmetics company Aveeno that she was surprised by Chalamet's remarks, particularly after he had asked for her help in promoting his latest film, "Marty Supreme." The 30-year-old actor is currently facing backlash for saying during a CNN and Variety town hall that he was grateful not to be working in ballet or opera because "no one cares about this anymore."

"First, I have to say that it's very interesting that he invited me to be a part of promoting Marty Supreme with respect to my art form," she said. "I think that it's important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that's not 'popular' and a part of pop culture as movies are, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have enduring relevance in culture."

"I think that it's often mistaken that when something is popular, that it's more meaningful or more impactful," Copeland said. "There's a reason that the opera and ballet have been around for over 400 years, and I think when you have access and opportunity to be a part of something like that, it can change your life."

"That's the work that I've been doing my whole career, is to bring more people into it," she continued. "So that people do understand the importance and the relevance of it in our communities and our culture, and you see it reflected everywhere."

"He wouldn't be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren't for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium," Copeland concluded. "So all of these mediums have a space and we shouldn't be comparing them."

During the run-up to "Marty Supreme," Chalamet doled out branded jackets for the film, including to Copeland, who posted a picture in it to her Instagram. She captioned it "Dream Big" and collaborated with the account for the film.

Chalamet's comments have drawn ire from across the art world, as opera singers and ballet performers alike have spoken out to defend their art form and pan the actor's statements as a cheap shot at fellow artists.

He and Copeland may come face-to-face at the Academy Awards this month, where he is nominated for his performance in "Marty Supreme," and she is set to perform alongside Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq for a tribute to "I Lied to You," an Oscar-nominated song from "Sinners."