Alec Baldwin on The View Friday

[Cool-Beans]

First of all maybe no one has said this directly but - Cool Beans - no one here has at all said it is RIGHT for him to scream at his daughter. Even he said it was wrong, no one has condoned it. People have understood what it is like to lose their temper but no one has said it is a justified act.

I understand what it is like to go off on a kid, too. And I agree that what he said wasn't RIGHT, nor would I condone it.

My husband grew up with a verbally abusive father so maybe I'm a bit biased. He's been called everything from stupid, ***, an accident, *******, you name - he was called that. Ya know what, he still has a somewhat decent relationship with his father.

I'm sorry your DH was hurt, as I'm sorry for all kids who suffer in that way.

I'm just not sure what it has to do with the price of tea in China.

If this was truly a one time incident then it is not the "truth" as Cool Beans would love everyone to think.

Right. I made it up. I released the tape. It was all bogus and a part of my grand conspiracy to convince the DISers that Alec Baldwin is a rotten guy!

And I'd have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for those dang kids.

It is an incident.

It sure was.

A couple of things about the interview:
* It has been in the press before that Bassinger violated his parental rights by not having him be with his daughter while she was out of town. This is public knowledge because as he said he had to file petitions in court to get it acknowledged by the court system and his right protected.

OK, maybe she had her reasons. Maybe she didn't. Again, "I hate my ex" is not an excuse.

* I completely understand the taking frustration out on one person that is meant for another. I've done it. I'll be mad as hell at my father and will take it out on my husband.

Well, if you run around calling your kids pigs, then your personal problems might have something to do with Alec Baldwin screaming at her daughter that she is a pig. As it stands, I don't get the connection.

I sure hope this isn't more of the "I really hate my ex" excuse.

That is where the expression "kick the dog" comes from. Is it right that he took it out on his child - absolutely not.

In total agreement with you there.

But I'm not going to act like I've never done it.

Well then I will. I have never left a message screaming at my kids that they are pigs. I have never screamed that they are pigs.

If you want to say that makes me a Perfect Parent, go right ahead. Most folks would agree that NOT screaming at young kids that they are pigs doesn't come close to perfection. But, say it if you want.

* The courts in fact do not do much to protect the rights of fathers. I'm glad to see that this is getting more media attention.

The courts are also not to blame for the fact that Alec screamed at his daughter that she was a pig. Alec made his bed, he can lie in it. If that's how he treats his young daughter, I believe that he'll pay the price for it in one way or another.

* I do not condone Alec's behaviour

Good to hear. Almost sounded like you were.

, nor do I condone the "journalist" that published it

It would honestly have to depend on why they did it, IMO. What if the kid wanted it published to get back at her scumbag dad? I'd be cool with that.

or the actions of the mother who must have been involved in some way of making it public knowledge.

That we DON'T know for a fact. All we KNOW for certain is that Alec said those vile things to his young daughter.

The only true victim here is that poor girl and hopefully she'll be able to salvage a relationship with both her parents.

That would be nice. If her parents are good to her. If they aren't, if this screaming "Pig" at her is a regular thing, she might not want to be around him and I wouldn't blame her a bit.

I contnued to be amazed at the self-righteous attitudes of people on the DIS.

You wouldn't be saying there that you're better than the folks who think calling a young girl a "pig" is vile? That you are BETTER than we? No, of course not. Because that WOULD be self-righteous.

Mistakes are made, and you're right he doesn't owe you an apology.

Mistakes are made. We all make them. That was NOT a mistake. He didn't MEAN to say, "Hi, sweetie. I miss you. Please call me," and WHOOPS, out slipped screaming "Pig."

He made a public statement, he has hopefully had a chance to apologize to his daughter and that's the end of it.

Yes, he made a public statement. Wouldn't want the public not liking him and sucking away all that money. You'd think he'd be hanging his head in shame, but noooo. On TV he goes to say he wishes he'd said it to the ex. Ugh.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I think it's interesting that KB's mother supports him.

I do too.

 

[Chloe'sMom]

I understand what it is like to go off on a kid, too. And I agree that what he said wasn't RIGHT, nor would I condone it. I'm sorry your DH was hurt, as I'm sorry for all kids who suffer in that way.

I'm just not sure what it has to do with the price of tea in China. Right. I made it up. I released the tape. It was all bogus and a part of my grand conspiracy to convince the DISers that Alec Baldwin is a rotten guy!

Just relaying that pig doesn't sound as nasty to me as maybe to other people. When you've been called a *** all your life, pig seems like compliment.

And I'd have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for those dang kids.

You've only posted over and over that "the tape is the truth!" If that was the truth then my parental rights should be revoked as well. And evidently so should yours if you know what it's like to "go off on a kid"

OK, maybe she had her reasons. Maybe she didn't. Again, "I hate my ex" is not an excuse.

So her reason would be valid? What if it was "because I hate my ex?" Would that also be okay?

Well, if you run around calling your kids pigs, then your personal problems might have something to do with Alec Baldwin screaming at her daughter that she is a pig. As it stands, I don't get the connection.

Here let me spell it out for you. In the interview he said - I took out on my daughter what I would love to say to my ex-wife. I was saying been there done that myself. Again - trying to say, he's human.

I sure hope this isn't more of the "I really hate my ex" excuse. In total agreement with you there. Well then I will. I have never left a message screaming at my kids that they are pigs. I have never screamed that they are pigs.

This doesn't even deserve a response.

The courts are also not to blame for the fact that Alec screamed at his daughter that she was a pig. Alec made his bed, he can lie in it. If that's how he treats his young daughter, I believe that he'll pay the price for it in one way or another.

You're right the courts are not to blame. Historically the courts have not supported the father's, and he will have his day in court. Personally I'm glad this is getting some attention or perhaps will receive some attention once the sensational hollywood story goes to bed. It's an issue within the court system that I would personally liked to see addressed. Obviously you seem to have an issue with that.

Good to hear. Almost sounded like you were. It would honestly have to depend on why they did it, IMO. What if the kid wanted it published to get back at her scumbag dad? I'd be cool with that. That we DON'T know for a fact. All we KNOW for certain is that Alec said those vile things to his young daughter.

I highly doubt an 11 year old would have the ability to contact a "journalist" and release the tape. More then likely - having some media experience myself - it was done for the mighty dollar and nothing more.

That would be nice. If her parents are good to her. If they aren't, if this screaming "Pig" at her is a regular thing, she might not want to be around him and I wouldn't blame her a bit. You wouldn't be saying there that you're better than the folks who think calling a young girl is vile? That you are BETTER than we? No, of course not. Because that WOULD be self-righteous. Mistakes are made. We all make them. That was NOT a mistake. He didn't MEAN to say, "Hi, sweetie. I miss you. Please call me," and WHOOPS, out slipped screaming "Pig." Yes, he made a public statement. Wouldn't want the public not liking him and sucking away all that money. You'd think he'd be hanging his head in shame, but noooo. On TV he goes to say he wishes he'd said it to the ex. Ugh

If he was continually abusive to his daughter then that would be handled within the courts during the custody hearing. Obviously the courts granted him some sort of custody rights so he must have been able to prove that he is at least competent to take care of his child.

A mistake is being angry and taking it out on the wrong person. A mistake is not hanging up the phone to collect yourself before leaving a message. A mistake is calling your daughter a name out of anger.
~Amanda

 

[bsnyder]

I think it's interesting that KB's mother supports him.

As far as his claim of parental alientation, it speaks volumes:

From the Irish Examiner, 12/30/05--
Basinger's mum speaks out about custody battle

Kim Basinger's mother has blasted her own daughter for wrecking relations between her ex-husband Alec Baldwin and the couple's daughter.

Baldwin recently took Basinger to court in a bid to extend his custody terms after the actress allegedly violated a court imposed settlement, and now little Ireland's grandmother is speaking out about the court battle, which has now been settled.

Ann Basinger admits she sides with Baldwin, who she calls "wonderful," adding, "My heart is sad for Ireland. She's the one that's suffering the most. All this is killing her.

"I think Kim has tried to alienate Ireland from her father. Alec loves his daughter with all his heart. He really is a family man."

And in the National Enquirer expose, Basinger's mother reveals she can understand what her former son-in-law is going through, because she too rarely sees her granddaughter.

She adds: "Kim and I used to be close but now I don't see Ireland very often because Kim won't let me and that's because I won't take her side about everything.

"She's my daughter and I love her, but I hate what she's doing, that she is being this way... I wish I could see more of Ireland. She's such a sweetheart."

It doesn't excuse the voice mail from Alec Baldwin. He obviously has big problems. But it's also obvious, from the historical record, that both parents do. We don't know all the facts, and it could be that this one phone call represents a pattern of systematic abuse. If that is the case, hopefully the court system will do its' job.

But those who are advocating that this father-daughter relationshp should be terminated based on this one phone call are either not aware of the developmental importance of the father-daughter relationship, in the life of a young girl, or they are dealing with some issues in their own lives that prevent them from accepting that importance.

 

[Cass]

Here let me spell it out for you. In the interview he said - I took out on my daughter what I would love to say to my ex-wife.

That's bull, if you listen to the taped call and try to imagine he's talking to Kim, not Ireland - it doesn't even make sense. He was talking to Ireland alright.

 

[Chloe'sMom]

But those who are advocating that this father-daughter relationshp should be terminated based on this one phone call are either not aware of the developmental importance of the father-daughter relationship, in the life of a young girl, or they are dealing with some issues in their own lives that prevent them from accepting that importance.

I had to pick myself up off the floor. Bet! I think this is the first time we've ever agreed on ANYTHING!

~Amanda

 

[MrsKreamer]

He's an ACTOR.

You know, one of those people trained to make you believe what they're trying to sell. He's now playing the part of the poor misunderstood father. Poor him.

He's an actor who is desperately trying to save his image. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I have no respect for him. Nor do I feel one iota of sympathy for him. He disgusts me.

EXACTLY!

 

[Chloe'sMom]

That's bull, if you listen to the taped call and try to imagine he's talking to Kim, not Ireland - it doesn't even make sense. He was talking to Ireland alright.

Sure it does. He obviously had a set time to call and contact his daughter. She missed the call for what is suggested more then the first time. He gets aggravated and talks about how he "embarassed" himself trying to get to a phone to make sure he made his end of the call. I'm sure he doesn't hold Ireland completely responsible for making sure she is available for the call. If it is a set call it is somewhat the mother's responsibility to make sure she is able to take it. When she's not he gets angry not just at Ireland but also at Kim.

Makes sense to me but I have divorced parents who played this game as well.

~Amanda

 

[DISUNC]

I think it's interesting that KB's mother supports him.

So HE says!

 

[Chloe'sMom]

So HE says!

She has publicly supported him. There are media sources to back that up.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

That's bull, if you listen to the taped call and try to imagine he's talking to Kim, not Ireland - it doesn't even make sense. He was talking to Ireland alright.

This is what he said.

"There's nothing wrong with being frustrated or angry about the situation," Alec said. "It's the way you do it, and as people often do in this world, I took it out on the wrong person."

 

[Cool-Beans]

Just relaying that pig doesn't sound as nasty to me as maybe to other people. When you've been called a *** all your life, pig seems like compliment.

OK, well most folks would agree...in fact Alec himself agreed that it was a nasty thing to say. But, if you think having your father scream at you that you are a pig is a compliment, then I guess he really didn't do anything bad at all! Silly us, thinking that screaming "pig" at your young daughter is a vile thing to do.

You've only posted over and over that "the tape is the truth!" If that was the truth then my parental rights should be revoked as well. And evidently so should yours if you know what it's like to "go off on a kid"

I don't know about over and over. Do you think the tape is a lie????

And what do you mean by "as well." Please point out where I said his parental rights should be revoked.

I'll save you the trouble: I never said it.


I have gone off on my kids. And they do deserve it, because they are beasts sometimes. (That's a joke, I don't actually scream that at them sincerely.) But I have never, would never say anything like that. Not unless I was totally senile.

So her reason would be valid? What if it was "because I hate my ex?" Would that also be okay?

No, "I hate my ex" is not an excuse. "My ex is a horrid, vile man who says vile things to my children and abuses them" would be. Like I said, maybe she had her reasons, maybe she didn't. If she didn't, then she's a rotten person, too. If she did, she did.

Here let me spell it out for you. In the interview he said - I took out on my daughter what I would love to say to my ex-wife.

Yeah, got that. Everyone got that. "I really hate mhy ex" is not an excuse to scream at a young girl - especially your own daughter! - that she's a "pig."

I was saying been there done that myself.

If you are saying vile things to your kids because you hate your ex, then you have no excuse, either. And I wouldn't blame your child for not wanting to be around you.

Again - trying to say, he's human.

Also not an excuse for screaming at the kid that she's a pig. Lots of humans don't do that.

This doesn't even deserve a response.

You're right the courts are not to blame.

Yea! The courts aren't to blame!

Historically the courts have not supported the father's,

I don't see what courts not supporting fathers has to do with screaming "pig" at a young girl.

and he will have his day in court.

Yeah, he will. Also nothing to do with the vile things he said.

Personally I'm glad this is getting some attention or perhaps will receive some attention once the sensational hollywood story goes to bed. It's an issue within the court system that I would personally liked to see addressed.

How interesting.

Obviously you seem to have an issue with that.

I have no problem or any issue with your wanting to see the courts address any issues. I don't know what exactly it has to do with screaming "pig" at your young daughter, though.

I highly doubt an 11 year old would have the ability to contact a "journalist" and release the tape.

It's pretty unlikely. But it would be funny if it turned out that way.

More then likely - having some media experience myself - it was done for the mighty dollar and nothing more.

That's possible. We just don't know. And it doesn't change the fact that it was vile for him to say such things.

If he was continually abusive to his daughter then that would be handled within the courts during the custody hearing.

Right, because the courts always believe the mom and never consider the fact that she might be lying her *** off to get back at the ex she hates.

Obviously the courts granted him some sort of custody rights so he must have been able to prove that he is at least competent to take care of his child.

Are you just pulling this out of your hat or do you actually know that he has actually met some kind of qualification.

Even if he did, it doesn't make what he said right or even OK. It was just an awful thing to say.

A mistake is being angry and taking it out on the wrong person.

I do not believe that is the definition of mistake. Like I said, he didn't mean to be nice or even stern and WHOOPS started screaming "pig" at his daughter. Just because a person does something they regret doesn't mean it was any sort of "mistake."

A mistake is not hanging up the phone to collect yourself before leaving a message.

No, that isn't a mistake.

A mistake is calling your daughter a name out of anger.

Also not a mistake, unless you meant to say something nice.

He made no error. He meant to say what he said. Whether or not he's ashamed of himself I don't know. I do know that he said it and he meant to say it.

No mistake about it.

 

[hellokitty86]

1) He cant talk about specifics of his divorce/child custody...BUT HE SURE COULD SAY EVERY HORRIBLE THING that his ex wife did WITH NO PROBLEM!
(i am glad Barbara Walter interviened with "There are 2 sides to every story)
Did anyone catch that he is freindly with his MIL...but had a rocky relationship with his own Mom comment!

2) His reasoning why the tape got out...Is because ALL TABLOID journalist are victims of child abuse and they had taken their fustration out on him! WTH?

3) he explained how is daughter laughs when he wakes her up stroking her hair! Little weird to me...And how is ex wife screams &yells at her to get the hell up outta bed!

4) He asked NBC to get out of his contract...because he wants to save the jobs of 400 people! What a load! He wants out cause he has a book coming out in September and wants to do other things!

5) This phone message was THE ONE AND ONLY TIME HE EVER TALKED LIKE THAT TO HIS DAUGHTER!

He kept on interupting Barbara Walters questions!

THIS GUY IS THE

OF

I agree with this! I wasn't impressed with the interview at all..It did seem phony to me.

 

[bsnyder]

I had to pick myself up off the floor. Bet! I think this is the first time we've ever agreed on ANYTHING!

~Amanda

Amanda - I'm a divorced/remarried mom with a blended family - and by the skin of my teeth, this could be my situation - and unfortunately, it IS the situation for countless families all over the country these days. It breaks my heart...

I look back and realize how very lucky I am - in the early days of the breakup of my first marriage, we teetered on the brink of total alienation and hatred for each other. We both had valid reasons to blame the other, and to claim that the other person was not a "good enough" parent. Luckily,we were both able to see past that, and put the welfare of our children first.

I know that modern pop psychology tries to tell us that guilt is an unhealthy emotion, but to this day, I credit a "healthy" amount of guilty conscience on both our parts with saving us from compounding the damage to our children by engaging in a never-ending battle for control and retribution in our post-divorce life.

 

[KikiFan]

So HE says!

Actually it's a fact. She's come out publically - in interviews and stated that she supports Alec.

Do you think the tape is a lie????

Obviously the tape isn't a lie. But that doesn't mean it's the whole truth either. It's just one part of the picture that may or may not represent the whole of his relationship with Ireland.

 

[bsnyder]

Actually it's a fact. She's come out publically - in interviews and stated that she supports Alec.



Obviously the tape isn't a lie. But that doesn't mean it's the whole truth either. It's just one part of the picture that may or may not represent the whole of his relationship with Ireland.

I'll post the public statement of Kim Bassinger's mother again, because obvioulsy some people have missed it.

From the Irish Examiner, 12/30/05--
Basinger's mum speaks out about custody battle

Kim Basinger's mother has blasted her own daughter for wrecking relations between her ex-husband Alec Baldwin and the couple's daughter.

Baldwin recently took Basinger to court in a bid to extend his custody terms after the actress allegedly violated a court imposed settlement, and now little Ireland's grandmother is speaking out about the court battle, which has now been settled.

Ann Basinger admits she sides with Baldwin, who she calls "wonderful," adding, "My heart is sad for Ireland. She's the one that's suffering the most. All this is killing her.

"I think Kim has tried to alienate Ireland from her father. Alec loves his daughter with all his heart. He really is a family man."

And in the National Enquirer expose, Basinger's mother reveals she can understand what her former son-in-law is going through, because she too rarely sees her granddaughter.

She adds: "Kim and I used to be close but now I don't see Ireland very often because Kim won't let me and that's because I won't take her side about everything.

"She's my daughter and I love her, but I hate what she's doing, that she is being this way... I wish I could see more of Ireland. She's such a sweetheart."

 

[Cool-Beans]

Obviously the tape isn't a lie. But that doesn't mean it's the whole truth either. It's just one part of the picture that may or may not represent the whole of his relationship with Ireland.

Here's the thing...I never said it represented the whole of the relationship, just that it represents the whole truth of what he said.

I never said his parental rights should be terminated.

All I said was that it was a vile thing to say and there is absolutely no excuse for it!

Which is the opinion of most DISers. Some think that makes it OK to insult us and call us "self-righteous."

What. Ever.

I also said that if he pulls this on a regular basis, I wouldn't blame the kid for not wanting to be around the guy. DUH! I wouldn't, either.

 

[MrsKreamer]

I don't see how any parent can give any excuse for him calling his child names. He reamed her out over and over on one phone call. I seriously doubt this is an isolated incident.

Even if it was, his apperance on the View was laughable. He took the time to plug his book, and his segway into his new mission in life. I kept thinking he was going to say he was taking time off to devote to his daughter...yeah right...he didn't even know her age!

 

[Olaf]

Watched the tape this morning. I'm even more convinced this man is an egotistical serial abuser. That was quite the little performance there, and yes, it was a performance, one that he'd rehearsed again and again. Notice how many times he kept cutting Babs off? She was stepping on his lines. Also noticed that Barbara wasn't buying it either, and he knew it. This guy is a serious control freak, and boy didn't he go out of the way to paint himself as the "victim". Didn't you just love that line about the friends who called to say that they were glad they weren't being taped when yelling at their kids. This guy has creep written all over him.

 

[JunieJay]

I haven't watched the interview yet. I'm sure it won't change my opinion of either of them - he's a punk and she's a nut. And its their kid who suffers.

I have no patience for adults who act like they are the children and the child is the adult. That is what I see here. Don't know either of them, but from what the media has reported over the years it certainly seems to be the case. I like him as an actor, I did at one time like her too but haven't seen her in anything in years. The fact they were blessed with riches and privilege far beyond 99.99% of the world but cant' seem to act like grown ups when it comes to their child does not endear me to them as people.