Timothée Chalamet's Kalshi Ad Sparks Fan Backlash

Timothée Chalamet recently shared a video on X/Twitter featuring a Kalshi commercial, which has sparked significant criticism from his fans. Many viewers questioned why the award-winning actor would promote Kalshi, with some calling it a cash grab. The ad, which runs just over one minute, features Chalamet in a dental office undergoing a procedure. When asked if he is feeling anything, Chalamet responds with the word 'Kalshi,' repeating it several times. The ad also includes scenes of Chalamet jumping high enough to hit the ceiling in his home and playing a keyboard in a music store. However, the ad was criticized for not offering a clear story arc or explaining the product.

Kalshi has faced controversy since launching sports event contracts in 2025, including lawsuits with state gaming regulators. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has argued that prediction markets aren’t gambling, leading to legal battles with states attempting to enforce gaming regulations against the platforms. Fans have lambasted Chalamet for representing the prediction market platform, with many questioning why he was 'selling out.' Some fans pointed out the unpopularity of the ad, with statistics showing that only a tiny percentage of viewers liked the tweet.

Beyond the controversy, Chalamet has dabbled in poker, celebrating his Oscar nomination in 2025 with a celebrity game that included notable figures such as Tobey Maguire, Kevin Hart, Rich Paul, Nathan Fielder, Theo Von, Kid Cudi, and Kylie Jenner. Kalshi has also reached out to poker players, signing a deal with Daniel Negreanu in September.