Timothée Chalamet’s carefully curated public image was put to the test this week when the actor made a unique entrance at the premiere of his highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown. Instead of the usual red-carpet luxury vehicle, Chalamet arrived on a bright lime-green Lime+Uber bike. Dressed in a navy blue suit, he was seen with the conspicuously out-of-place bike, creating an odd visual contrast that had fans and onlookers talking.
While some may have expected a stylish arrival befitting a star of his stature, Chalamet’s eco-friendly gesture raised eyebrows, with many questioning the choice. The actor explained that he opted for the bike as a way to avoid traffic, making the ecological angle clear. However, things took a turn when Chalamet revealed during an appearance on the French talk show Quotidien that he had been hit with a £65 fine (roughly $79.53) for improperly parking the bike that evening.
The fine quickly turned the situation into a source of amusement for many. While Chalamet’s initial intentions may have been to make a cool, sustainable statement, the fine felt like a fitting twist, leading some to view it as a form of “cosmic karma.” The decision to ride a Lime bike, especially one that appeared far from sleek, became fodder for social media jokes. Fans noted the stark contrast between his usual polished image and the decidedly unflattering bike, speculating that it might have been part of a larger publicity stunt.
“Judging by his unfamiliarity with the kickstand, I’m going to wager this was just a publicity stunt,” one Reddit user mused. Another quipped, “Did it for the limelight,” poking fun at the bike’s “lime” branding. Some were more playful with their comments, like “That’s the cleanest Lime Bike I’ve ever seen,” while others sarcastically remarked, “Wow… so next level.”
Many fans couldn’t resist pointing out the irony of the situation, suggesting that the stunt might have been an attempt to stay in the spotlight, but it fell flat. One commenter summed up the sentiment: “Celebrities just be doing anything at this point,” reflecting the confusion and amusement that many fans expressed.
Though his die-hard supporters may still back him, the general reaction from online communities leaned more towards bewilderment, coupled with a touch of humour. Perhaps next time, Timothée will reconsider his mode of transport before stepping into the spotlight again.