Show suspended after Baldwin 'anti-gay slur'
Alec Baldwin’s new TV talk show has been suspended, according to MSNBC.
The cable channel said it had halted the show, 'Up Late With Alec Baldwin', for two episodes.
MSNBC did not specify why it suspended the programme but it comes after an encounter Baldwin had with a photographer in New York in which the actor was heard on videotape using an anti-gay insult.
Baldwin later posted a statement on MSNBC’s website saying he was “deeply sorry” for language he used, but did not offer details.
"I would like to address the comments I made this past week," the statement read.
"I did not intend to hurt or offend anyone with my choice of words, but clearly I have – and for that I am deeply sorry.
"Words are important. I understand that, and will choose mine with great care going forward.
"What I said and did this week, as I was trying to protect my family, was offensive and unacceptable.
"Behaviour like this undermines hard-fought rights that I vigorously support. I understand “Up Late” will be taken off the schedule for tonight and next week.
"I want to apologize to my loyal fans and to my colleagues at msnbc – both for my actions and for distracting from their good work.
"Again, please accept my apology."
He later tweeted an apology, saying he was unaware the term used was offensive to gays.
The show, which airs on Fridays, will be off this week and next under the suspension, MSNBC said.
Baldwin said his actions came as he tried to protect his family – presumably from the photographer – but were unacceptable and undermined “hard-fought rights that I vigorously support”.
The video was posted on the TMZ website.
The incident came during the week a Canadian actress was convicted in New York of stalking Baldwin with calls, emails and visits over a two-year period.
Genevieve Sabourin was sentenced to six months in jail in addition to a month she is already serving for courtroom outbursts.
Baldwin’s wife Hilaria said in a statement that the two “feel safe, relieved and happy to move forward” with the case resolved.
But Baldwin reportedly lost his cool again yesterday when a reporter for a New York TV channel asked about the trial and, according to Variety.com, Baldwin called him “dumb”.
The exchange took place outside Baldwin’s apartment building, the website said.
Baldwin’s career has included Oscar and Tony nominations and originating action hero Jack Ryan in the 1990 film 'The Hunt For Red October', as well as his Emmy-winning turn on TV comedy '30 Rock'.
He is also known for his temper. He was kicked off a plane in 2011 after refusing to stop playing a mobile phone game, and he has been involved in confrontations with news photographers.
He and a New York Post lensman filed harassment complaints against each other after an altercation in February, and a Daily News photographer said Baldwin punched him last year, which Baldwin denied.
