Timothée Chalamet is used to the limelight, but not all eyes were friendly during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.
The Oscar-nominated actor showed up courtside with his girlfriend Kylie Jenner, and while their matching Knicks-themed outfits initially drew some smiles, their courtside behavior quickly flipped the mood online.
Chalamet, a lifelong Knicks fan, and Jenner, the CEO of Kylie Cosmetics, leaned heavily into PDA during the nationally televised game between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. A video that captured the couple kissing passionately in the middle of the action sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many fans calling the moment unnecessary and disruptive.
Fans React As PDA Steals The Show
Chalamet wore a bomber jacket in Knicks colors, while Jenner sported an orange leather jacket with a white shirt. Fans initially praised the fashion choices, which gave off an impression of spirited team support. But once the couple turned their attention to each other instead of the game, the mood shifted.
Clips of the two kissing made the rounds online, and fans wasted no time voicing frustration. “Come on, no one wants to see you make out in public at a sports game. Grow up,” one fan commented on Instagram.
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Another chimed in, “Guess what? Who cares? I’m there to watch the game.”
Others compared the moment to recent sports broadcasts that heavily featured celebrities, with one user writing, “Timothée Chalamet is just as annoying on sports broadcasts as Taylor Swift. Stop glorifying celebrities and show the game.”
Some fans defended Chalamet’s presence, pointing out that he has attended every game in the series. His dedication to the Knicks hasn’t gone unnoticed, even by those who may not appreciate his courtside antics.
Despite the backlash, Chalamet is expected to be in the crowd again as the series shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 6. The Knicks and Pacers will tip off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday. If the Knicks win, Game 7 will return to Madison Square Garden, and all eyes might be watching a little closer.
