Alec Baldwin’s decision to publicly apologize for a cell phone rant allegedly leaked by his estranged former wife, Kim Basinger, is another example of formulaic PR
having run amuck.
Hollywood has a proven crisis model in place that includes an apology, an outreach to the ‘offended’ person or persons and some sort of rehabilitation program to ensure that the offending remarks or actions will never happen again. Mel Gibson and his anti-Semitic crisis outreach is now the classic response (as compared to that of Don Imus and his much-too-little, much-too-late post ‘nappy haired hos’ push). But, why is the ‘model’ trotted out each and every time a crisis, now matter how mundane, erupts?
Why should Baldwin have to apologize to anyone? What a parent says to his or her child is private (even if it is leaked publicly). I think it’s time for a Baldwin, a Richard Gere or some other Hollywood buffoon to step up and say, ‘I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.’ I’m not going to listen to my handlers and I’m not going to cave to ‘conventional wisdom.’
The PC police and their ‘pound of flesh’ mentality have dictated that image and reputation management must include a carefully orchestrated program of apology, contrition, reflection and reincarnation. That’s BS. If the ‘crisis’ in question, like Baldwin’s, is private, it should stay private.
I disagree with Beth. I think Baldwin’sw comments were much, much more hurtful than the comments Don Imus or Mel Gibson made….Baldwin’s comments on The View about stroking his daughter’s hair when he wakes her up vs. Mom’s yelling at her was unbelievably ridiculous and self-serving. It illustrates why, exactly, Alec’s daughter will not take his calls.
You make valid points, Beth. And I understand the logic. Regardless, I’d still like to see someone show a little backbone and stop kowtowing to the PC police.
I’m afraid I have to disagree with you on this particular incident, Rep. The incident may involve his private life, but once it was leaked to the media, it become a public issue and his reputation was put on the line. Hollywood is ultimately a popularity contest, and when you say something that makes you sound like an overbearing ass, people expect some sort of explanation. Was this nearly as offensive as Mel Gibson or Don Imus, no, but at the end of the day, as an actor, you have to keep your audience happy, or risk damage to your career.
Now if you want to talk mundane stupidity that doesn’t warrant an apology, I’d like to point to the Richard Gere kissing incident. He did stand up for himself and refused to apologize for what he did, despite outcry from an entire country.