Alec Baldwin faced backlash for promoting his interview with Woody Allen on Blackout Tuesday, but he's not backing down
- Alec Baldwin promoted an interview with Woody Allen on Blackout Tuesday and received criticism for his post, which fans called "tone-deaf."
- Baldwin defended his posts, and replied to a fan: "As for the perceived lack of sensitivity re BlackOutTuesday, I had no idea about this...national day of whatever."
- Baldwin wrote: "the professional lives of some people cannot be put on hold at the whims of political correctness."
- The actor also defended Allen against long-running accusations of sexual assault: "I believe Allen is innocent and that is my right."
Alec Baldwin received backlash for promoting an interview with Woody Allen on Blackout Tuesday, a day that became dedicated to a social media movement where people stopped posting personal content to their social media channels, and only posted black squares in support of those protesting against police violence towards black Americans.
Baldwin posted an image of Allen and promoted a "candid and wide-ranging interview" with the director, whom he has worked with three times.
The interview was promoting Allen's new book "Apropos of Nothing," which was dropped by original publishers Hachette after employees protested against it due to the long-running accusations of sexual assault Allen has faced.
Both the book and the interview addresses these accusations, which claim Allen molested his daughter Dylan when she was a child.
Baldwin posted a second image of Allen further promoting his podcast, on which he interviewed Allen.
Baldwin wrote: "I've worked on three Woody Allen films, each being a highlight of my career. Today he joins me on my podcast and we talk about everything from his mentors, to his method of directing, and the accusation of sexual abuse."
Baldwin was swiftly criticized for these posts on Blackout Tuesday, with one fan of the podcast writing: "Always love following your account but this is a tone deaf thing to post today."
Another wrote: "this is exceptionally bad timing. I will eventually listen because I I am a big fan of both of you, but I feel compelled to voice my disappointment."
Baldwin, however, did not back down on his posts and defended both Allen and his own promotion of the book and interview. Baldwin replied to denisedag: "In the course of this podcast, we have often booked guests that have either requested or required a specific posting date in order to promote a project.
"We make every effort to honor those requests. Allen is no exception. As for the perceived lack of sensitivity re BlackOutTuesday, I had no idea about this...national day of whatever."
Baldwin continued: "Three things: the professional lives of some people cannot be put on hold at the whims of political correctness. I believe Allen is innocent and that is my right. Posting a black screen today or any other day, though a decent sentiment, is not an effective political stance. Voting, and working to enroll others to vote, is more...practical."
Read more:
Hachette is canceling the release of Woody Allen's memoir after employees protested