Alec Baldwin clashes with anti-Israel agitator; smacks phone in dispute
Alec Baldwin recently found himself in an unexpected situation when an anti-Israel protester confronted him at a New York City café. The incident occurred while Baldwin was engaged in a phone call and waiting at the café's cash register. The protester, known for hosting the "anti-fascist" show Crackhead Barney & Friends, persistently asked Baldwin to voice support for Palestine by saying "Free Palestine." What the actor did next went straight viral!
Protester continued pressing Baldwin to say 'Free Palestine'
Despite the protester's continuous insistence, Baldwin chose not to comply with her request to say "Free Palestine." The video footage shows the actor moving toward the café's exit at Maman on University Place, signaling the protester to leave. However, she remained undeterred and continued pressing him, promising to leave him alone if he would utter "Free Palestine" once. Frustrated toward the end, he smacked her phone.
Agitator also brought up Baldwin's ongoing legal case
The protester stopped at nothing and even brought up Baldwin's ongoing legal case in New Mexico. "Why did you kill that lady, you killed that lady and got no jail time," the podcaster said, labeling him a "criminal." The 66-year-old actor-comedian is currently facing charges related to the tragic shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust. Baldwin has entered a plea of not guilty to involuntary manslaughter with his trial set for July.
Worker's attempt to intervene ended in futility
During the encounter at the coffee shop, a worker attempted to intervene and halt the aggressor's behavior, but without success. Baldwin also seemed to request the employee to contact the police amid the verbal dispute. The video ended abruptly as Baldwin struck the protester's phone. The timing of the confrontation remains unclear.
Take a look at the video here
When Baldwin was asked by protesters whether he condemned Israel
This is not the first time that anti-Israel activists have targeted Baldwin. Previously, in December, he was asked by a group of protesters whether he condemned Israel. His response was clear, "No, I support peace for Gaza." "Go f-k yourself," a man yelled in response. New York City has seen a surge in anti-Israel protests over the past six months following its violent conflict reportedly involving Hamas terrorists.
