PUBLIC OPINION > Alec Baldwin's Paparazzi Beatdown Was Justified

by SodaHead Celebs Posted 2012/06/22 16:00:00

Related Topics: Alec Baldwin, paparazzi, marcus santos, Public Opinion, Recap

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Maybe "beatdown" is a little harsh, but there's photographic evidence that "30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin got physical with a paparazzo on his way out of the NYC Marriage License Bureau. The photographer says Baldwin rushed at him like a bull, unprovoked, and punched him square in the chin. Baldwin hasn't said much on the matter, except that #allpaparazzishouldbewaterboarded. His words. We asked the public if the "beatdown" was justified.

It looks like Baldwin doesn't have to explain himself -- the public is already on his side. Though supporters didn't seem to care much about what actually happened. They were just happy to see the paparazzi get what was coming. Even by the photographer's account, at worst it was an unprovoked punch. But with the paparazzi, "unprovoked" is a loose term. One commenter wrote, "When you are asked to back off and stop, and refuse, then you become offensive to people, and celebrities are people who deserve a little bit of privacy."

Older Voters Aren't Amused

For younger voters, particularly those under the age of 45, the event was actually a little bit humorous. No one really likes the paparazzi, so it seems like fair game for a nice laugh. But older voters took the matter more seriously. They were more likely to suggest that celebrities choose that type of life when they promote themselves. That doesn't justify an assault.

Girls Get Rowdy

We were surprised to find that female voters were actually more likely to say Baldwin's attack was justified. We expected men to be more gung-ho with the violent reaction. Plus, the tabloids paparazzi shoot for are usually marketed to women. But girls know a good story when they see one, and they're not going to let social graces get in the way of a little street justice.

The Well-Off Wave a Finger

Income had an unexpected impact on how respondents voted. Even though Baldwin is clearly the wealthier party here, lower income voters tended to side with him against the paparazzi. Maybe it's his satirical CEO character, Jack Donaghy from "30 Rock," that won them over. Higher income voters were much more likely to side with the photographer, though the sample size was a little rough.

If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about Baldwin's beatdown. We'd love to hear from you!

+12

Heptarch 2012/06/23 17:06:03

+8
Every beatdown received by a paparazzo is justified. Every single one.
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ComeOnNow 2012/06/22 17:49:20

+4
Alec Baldwin is the typical rude, selfish, and arrogant elitist democrat. He treats everyone around him like crap while lecturing everyone else to be nice.

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Pamela ... to ComeOnNow 2012/06/23 18:31:29

correct!

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Christo... to ComeOnNow 2012/06/23 19:58:07

You have to admit though, some paparazzi deserve it.

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ronbo 2012/06/22 17:17:59

+2
I don,t like a lot of things the paparazzi does in trying to get a picture of a celebrity but having said that Alec Baldwin is an overbearing bully and always has been. Celebrities forget that exposure given them by paparazzi is part of the public recognition they need for keeping their Hollywood carrers going. Does that mean they should follow celebrities into the bathroom or any place else they please? No. But bit was still an overreaction.

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Boo 2012/06/22 16:51:46

+3
The papparazzi can certainly get out of hand; however, Baldwin is the most arrogant *ss in Hollywood and can thank them for keeping his name in the news, without which I don't believe you would hear so much about him! Celebrity is a double-edged sword. Baldwin knows that and "acts up" regularly to keep his name out there apparently! He over reacted at the very least. Baldwin is a liberal slimeball who didn't think enemies of our country should be water boarded, but thinks all papparazzi should be?! What a hypocrit. I'd like to see him disappear from the public eye. I get tired of hearing about his all around bad behavior!

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Pamela ... to Boo 2012/06/23 18:32:21

+2
you got that right!

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tobe 2012/06/22 16:38:02

+2
i think the paparazzi have gotten out of hand. nowadays they have camera lenses that can invade peoples homes. there is no limit to what they do to get pictures. if someone did that to me i would have crushed their camera and thrown the pieces at them.

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tina williams 2012/06/22 16:30:01

hmmm have to say yes, I see how they do these people and well I am sory to say if it was me I would have a long time ago done it. You would get so tired of them in your face,

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Bob 2012/06/22 16:28:31

+3
I'd love to see some of the papparazzi in the ring with some celebrities: UFC. :-)

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Pamela ... to Bob 2012/06/23 18:32:58

Me two!

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Margaret Jacobson 2012/06/22 16:27:36

+2
Just walk away

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PDenoli 2012/06/22 16:23:19

+2
Ladies and gentlemen... watch closely as Alec Baldwin transforms from actor to pundit to punchline. All he needs is a good rant about jews and minorities to send him off on a Mel Gibson spiral... or maybe some addiction Sheen-styleeee.

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