Alec Baldwin faces backlash for ‘out of touch’ Veterans Day post featuring Kevin Bacon

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Alec Baldwin sparked controversy on Veterans Day with an Instagram post that led fans to accuse him of being "out of touch with reality".

This comes as Baldwin gears up for the release of his controversial film 'Rust' later this week.

Alec Baldwin's post honoring veterans

In his Instagram post on November 11, Monday, Alec Baldwin shared a photo of actor Kevin Bacon portraying Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl in the 2009 HBO drama 'Taking Chance'.

The caption of the post read, "God bless brave, duty-bound soldiers everywhere..." Alec Baldwin's post concluded, noting, "PS I thought this was a beautiful image. But, all the haters…"

While the film centers around Strobl’s journey escorting the remains of a fallen soldier back to Wyoming, Baldwin’s choice to honor veterans with an image from a movie was met with harsh criticism.

Alec Baldwin faces backlash for 'disrespectful' Veterans Day post

Several social media users expressed confusion and disappointment over Alec Baldwin's post featuring Kevin Bacon as Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl in 'Taking Chance'.

One fan chimed in, "With respect, surely you could have found a stock photo of real soldiers?"

Another added, "I couldn't possibly imagine a more out of touch with reality thing to post."

Someone else noted, "I really think highly of Kevin Bacon and all but there are thousands of military personnel and their families that deserve a much more thoughtful tribute today."

A follower remarked, "Kind of odd post."

One comment declared, "Rethink this post please, Alec. Thank you, from a veteran. 🇺🇸"

Another observed, "Not an appropriate photo choice. We’re honoring veterans; not actors playing veterans 🇺🇸"

As one person explained, "Ridiculous and disrespectful to real people who have served."

One viewer expressed, "Why don't you have real veterans as a picture opposed to disrespecting them and putting actors out there! Kevin Bacon is not a United States Marine!!!"

However, not everyone was critical of Baldwin's post.

A number of fans defended the film, acknowledging its emotional and respectful portrayal of military service. In addition to the heartfelt defenses, some followers took a lighter approach, adding humor to the situation.

One wrote, "What’s the problem? Kevin single handedly saved the town of Bomont, UT in the Great Footloose Battle of 1984! You guys are some haters! Semper Plié!!!"

Another wrote, "Taking Chance is one of the MOST beautiful movies I have ever watched. It’s such a gentle, loving tribute to the marines and to their service, and sacrifice. It moves me to tears any time I’ve watched it. Thank you for reminding me about it, I think I’ll watch it again this evening."

The viewer continued, "As usual the angry trolls and the ugly side of human nature appear in full force with the virtue signaling in the comments 🙄 - completely missing the point of this simple nod to a great film about military life and loss , a piece of that honors our veterans with the empathy and nuance that is sadly lacking in so many people these days. I’d suggest to all of them who feel compelled to criticize this post - go watch the film first. Then if you still feel the need to gripe, god help all of us. 💚🙏🏻"

"RIP kevin bacon he sacrificed so much 😭😭," a user joked.

Another playfully commented, "It’s important to celebrate the sacrifices Kevin Bacon has made."

An individual mocked, "Thank Kevin Bacon for his service! 😂"

Baldwin has yet to respond to the backlash over his post.

Alec Baldwin prepares for new reality show and release of 'Rust'

Alec Baldwin, known for his roles in '30 Rock' and 'Saturday Night Live', will soon be back on television with a new reality show 'The Baldwins' set to debut in 2025.

The actor also faces continued attention for his upcoming film 'Rust', set to premiere at the Camerimage Festival in Poland on November 16.

The movie has been surrounded by controversy, following the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming in 2021, as per LA Times.

A New Mexico judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin in July, citing mishandling of evidence in the case. 

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