Alec Baldwin faces intense backlash for blaming Andrew Cuomo’s resignation on ‘cancel culture’

Alec’s reaction has stirred criticism (Picture: Jim Spellman/Getty Images)

Alec Baldwin has copped a fair whack of criticism after blaming cancel culture for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation this week.

Yesterday Cuomo announced he will resign amid multiple allegations of sexual harassment, effective in 14 days. The embattled governor’s decision comes a week after the New York attorney general’s office released a report concluding he sexually harassed 11 women.

Cuomo called the attorney general’s report, released last Tuesday, ‘false’. But he apologised to multiple women he ‘truly offended’.

Reacting to the news, actor Alec labelled it a ‘tragic day’, which raised many eyebrows on social media and prompted swift backlash.

He wrote on Twitter: ‘Regardless of what you think of Cuomo, this is a tragic day.

‘Party politics in this country draw ambitious but ultimately isolated, even socially maladjusted men and women who, given the current cancel culture, will likely have their shortcomings exposed and magnified.’

While Alec – who didn’t refer to the allegations of sexual harassment – had his supporters who, too, felt it was a ‘depressing’ day, the actor’s comments were widely condemned, with one hitting back: ‘It’s not about “party politics” and it isn’t about “cancel culture”(which doesn’t exist). It’s about powerful men not getting away with their predation of women.’

‘If one of your daughters was sexually harassed by their boss would you call that a “shortcoming”?’ another asked the star. ‘I’d hate to think you’d be one of those people who wouldn’t believe women who have the bravery of speaking up!’

Taking umbrage with the sentiment of cancel culture, one wrote: ‘Why is it always cancel culture and not being held accountable for your s***ty actions?’

Another replied to Alec under his comment: ‘So sexually harassing 11 women is merely a “shortcoming”? Quite a take,’ as another shared their disappointment: ‘What does @AlecBaldwin have to say about Cuomo’s resignation? “This is a tragic day.” Big @30Rock fan. No longer an Alec Baldwin fan.’

Even former White House press secretary Sean Spicer reacted, as he quote-tweeted: ‘Cancel culture is out of control – but  what @NYGovCuomo did was not a result of cancel culture – or any culture – it was inappropriate and the idea you are defending it says a lot.’

Some stepped in to attempt to clarify Alec’s comments, with one writing: ‘So, he didn’t defend him. Comprehension is[key]: He said that its tragic b/c even while he did some good things through is ambitious career, he was still socially maladjusted(S.H. isn’t normal, well adjusted behavior). And that those like him will meet their fate soon. [sic]’

Alec has in the past voiced his support for the Democratic party, and also partnered with Cuomo’s office last year to urge New Yorkers to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Announcing his resignation on Tuesday, Cuomo said: ‘The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing.

‘And therefore that’s what I will do, because I work for you and doing the right thing is doing the right thing for you. Because as we say, its not about me, it’s about we.’

Speaking in regards to the allegations, he branded them false and added: ‘This is not to say that there are not 11 women I truly offended. There are. And for that, I deeply, deeply apologise.

‘I thought a hug and putting my arm around a staff person while taking a picture was friendly, but she found it to be too forward. I kissed a woman on the cheek at a wedding and thought I was being nice, but she felt that it was too aggressive.’

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Though Cuomo continued to deny that he sexually harassed several aides and other women he came into contact with, he said that ‘it is in your best interest that I must serve’.

The governor added, ‘I truly believe it is politically motivated’, but acknowledged that fighting the findings ‘will consume government’.

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