Famed conductor Gustavo Dudamel has accused actor Timothée Chalamet of showing ignorance when he claimed "no one cares" about opera and ballet. This statement was made during an event for the New York Philharmonic's first season as music director. Dudamel's remarks were applauded by an audience at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen, which included donors, musicians, the orchestra board, community leaders and composers. Chalamat's comments sparked an online backlash from arts organizations. Matías Tarnopolsky, New York's CEO, offered a public offer to meet with Dudamel anytime.