Alec Baldwin smacks anti-Israel protester's phone after being hounded to say 'Free Palestine', Internet says 'he did the right thing'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Alec Baldwin found himself embroiled in controversy once again after a heated confrontation with an anti-Israel protester inside a New York City coffee shop.

The incident, captured on video and shared on social media, quickly went viral, reigniting discussions about the actor's ongoing legal troubles and political views.

Alec Baldwin confronted by Anti-Israel protester in NYC Coffee Shop

The protester, associated with an anti-fascist interview show called 'Crackhead Barney & Friends,' repeatedly badgered Baldwin to say "free Palestine" on camera. Despite Baldwin's refusal, the protester persisted, also referencing the 'Rust' movie set shooting, for which Baldwin still faces criminal charges.

Visibly irritated, Baldwin asked a coffee shop employee to call the police before smacking the protester's phone from her hand, as per Daily Mail.

"F**k Israel, f**k Zionism, please say it," the protester demanded.

"Alec can you please say free Palestine one time," the protester repeatedly shouted at Baldwin.

"Free Palestine, Alec, just one time and I'll leave you alone. I'll leave you alone, I swear, just say free Palestine one time."

Throughout the exchange, the protester continued to demand Baldwin's support for Palestine, even referencing the 'Rust' shooting and accusing him of avoiding jail time.

"Why did you kill that lady? You killed that lady and got no jail time," said the protester, referring to Halyna Hutchins' fatal shooting on the 'Rust' set.

Baldwin's criminal trial for the 'Rust' shooting is set to begin in July, following a grand jury indictment for involuntary manslaughter. Amid his legal battles, Baldwin's encounters with protesters have only intensified public scrutiny.

Internet rallies behind Alec Baldwin after phone-punching incident

Alec Baldwin's recent altercation with an anti-Israel protester has sparked a divisive reaction online, with many users rallying behind the actor's actions. While some may not be fans of Baldwin personally, they expressed support for his response to what they perceive as harassment.

One user emphasized the importance of respecting boundaries saying, "Not a fan of his - but goading anyone like that should be illegal - if he reacts, like I’m sure he wants to (I would want to too), he would be the one in even more trouble. You can’t demand someone agrees with you. That is harassment." 

Another user said, "I dislike Baldwin, but there was nothing inappropriate in his actions towards the person harassing him." 

Similarly, another user wrote, "I'm not much of a fan of Alec's personal life, but this overly aggressive protester was way out of line. You have to draw the line somewhere. " 

A user wrote, "Not a fan of Alec Baldwin but he was right on this occasion." "I am not a fan of his but for once he did the right thing," one user said.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.