Actor Alec Baldwin used a luncheon in his honor this week to confess that he has “bullied” women and treated them in a sexist manner over the course of his career.
Guests at the Paley Center for Media’s “Honors Luncheon Celebrating Alec Baldwin” on Thursday got to hear about the actor’s television and film career, but he also addressed his role in the industry’s ongoing sexual harassment scandal.
“I certainly have treated women in a very sexist way. I’ve bullied women. I’ve overlooked women,” Mr. Baldwin told the New York crowd, THR reported. “I’ve underestimated women. Not as a rule. From time to time, I’ve done what a lot of men do, which is … when you don’t treat women the same way you treat men. You don’t. I’m from a generation where you really don’t and I’d like that to change. I really would like that to change.”
The former “30 Rock” star also spoke on Hollywood’s sexual assault stories, which began with a New York Times exposé on disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein and continued with revelations about actor Kevin Spacey.
“I knew of certain things, that there were rumors of things happening to people, but I didn’t necessarily know the scope, when you hear the hundreds and hundreds of women who are complaining about this,” Mr. Baldwin said. “It’s been a very eye-opening experience for me personally. We’ve got to be vigilant in a new way to make sure that everybody is comfortable and that we get the job done together that we’re there to do.”
Mr. Baldwin also shared insight into his “Donald Trump” role on “Saturday Night Live,” saying that he never really got one-on-one time with the billionaire over the years to help shape his performance.
“I just wanted to make him as miserable as possible,” the actor said. “He wins the election, and he’s like, ’God damn you people.’ “
Proceeds from the event benefited the Paley Center’s education initiatives.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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