“RHOBH” Stars Attend Opera to Test If They ‘Have Any Culture,’ One Admits to Falling Asleep

The latest episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills provided viewers with a blend of glamour and culture as the cast indulged in an opera night during their group trip to Florence, Italy. This event coincided with recent controversy sparked by actor Timothée Chalamet’s dismissive remarks about the art form, leading to a spirited conversation about the relevance of opera in today’s society.

The opulent setting for the opera night was Villa Bibbiani, which boasts an 18th-century theatre, enhancing the overall experience for the Housewives. Bozoma Saint John, one of the key figures behind the trip, voiced her enthusiasm for the art form. In a confessional, she declared her passion for opera, mentioning her position on the board of the L.A. Opera and expressing her hope that her fellow cast members would appreciate the performance. “If these women have any culture, they’re going to appreciate it. And if they don’t appreciate it, they ain’t got no culture,” she stated firmly.

Emotions ran high during the performance, with Jennifer Tilly displaying a deeply personal connection to the music. As she wiped away tears, she shared that her mother, Patricia, was a former opera singer, and opera had been a significant part of her upbringing. “I am in seventh heaven listening to these beautiful singers,” she reflected, highlighting the powerful impact of music on personal memories.

Despite the moving atmosphere, not all members of the cast were equally enthralled. Sutton Stracke candidly admitted her feelings towards opera, saying, “I fall asleep at opera.” Her comments prompted laughter among viewers and castmates, showcasing the differing tastes within the group and the broader public’s perspective on the genre.

This lively exchange at the opera coincided with backlash directed at Timothée Chalamet for comments he made during a town hall meeting with Matthew McConaughey in February. Chalamet seemed to downplay the importance of opera and ballet, stating, “I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera, or you know, things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though it’s like, no one cares about this anymore.'” This dismissal drew ire from artists and fans alike, igniting a passionate debate about cultural appreciation.

The actor later acknowledged the potential fallout from his remarks, jokingly remarking that he had “just lost 14 cents in viewership” and expressing regret for “taking shots for no reason.” The backlash escalated to the point where it was a topic of discussion on The View, where co-host Sara Haines noted Chalamet’s family connections to ballet, mentioning that his grandmother, mother, and sister had all been involved with the New York City Ballet. Whoopi Goldberg added, “When you crap on somebody else’s art form, it doesn’t feel good, it doesn’t feel good to see.”

Chalamet is currently in the spotlight for his role in the film Marty Supreme, which has garnered critical acclaim. His performance has earned him nominations for Best Actor, and as a producer, for Best Picture at the upcoming Oscars. His achievements may have further complicated public reactions to his earlier comments, as many fans and critics weigh his artistic contributions against his dismissive statements.

As the viewers of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills witnessed the cast’s varied responses to opera, the juxtaposition of their night out with the controversy surrounding an influential Hollywood figure allowed for a deeper reflection on the state of the arts today. The episode serves not only as entertainment but also opens up a dialogue about cultural appreciation and the impact of public figures on art forms they may not fully understand.

With its mix of glamour, emotion, and controversy, the latest episode encapsulates the essence of The Real Housewives series while simultaneously highlighting ongoing debates in the wider cultural landscape. As the show continues to air on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo, it will be interesting to see how the evolving discussions around art and appreciation are picked up in upcoming episodes. For those looking to catch up, episodes are available for streaming on Peacock the day after they air.