Timothée Chalamet is reportedly stepping back from the spotlight after facing criticism earlier this year.
The actor drew backlash in February after making comments about ballet and opera during a Variety and CNN town hall with his Interstellar co-star Matthew McConaughey. While discussing the arts, Chalamet said “no one cares” about ballet or opera, sparking outrage online and drawing criticism during his Oscars campaign.
Chalamet was nominated for Best Actor for Marty Supreme, but ultimately lost to Michael B. Jordan for Sinners.
Now, according to a source quoted by the National Enquirer, the 30-year-old actor is intentionally avoiding public appearances.
“Timmy has had a tough 2026 in terms of his public image and the Oscar slipping through his fingers,” the source said. “Pulling back from public appearances, podcasts and interviews was the only card he could play.”
The insider added that Chalamet and his team hope a lower profile will help shift public opinion. “The idea is to make people miss him a bit before he’s everywhere again,” the source said.
Chalamet is expected to return to the spotlight later this year when he begins promoting the next Dune film.
“He has the opportunity to win back the good will of his audience,” the source added. “Timmy needs to lay low and he needs to let the work speak for itself.”