Actor Alec Baldwin was removed from an American Airlines flight on Tuesday for refusing to follow the direction of flight attendants who had asked him to turn off his "portable electronic device" as the cabin doors were closed and the plane was ready for departure.
The performer, who has been awarded multiple Emmys for his portrayal of Jack Donaghy on TV's 30 Rock, decided this time to take on the dual role of petulant child and defiant diva, ignoring simple flight crew instructions and making a scene.
Those of us who don't have much interaction with celebrities of Baldwin's stature could only imagine that perhaps he was finalizing contract negotiations related to a starring role in an upcoming summer blockbuster film, or maybe he was feverishly working with his agent to figure out how to accomodate a last-minute request for an appearance at a high-visibility charity event. Or, maybe he was playing the online game Words With Friends. Yep, seriously.
I've been chastised several times by flight attendants for not turning off my iPad when initially instructed, while I rushed to finish a game of Free Cell, but I've always knuckled under to flight attendant authority prior to the point of expulsion. First off, they are ultimately responsible for public safety. Second, it's not worth the hassle and inconvenience. And thirdly, being dragged from the plane would only blow my concentration anyway. Alec Baldwin doesn't crumble so easily though; the renowned sitcom actor chose to stand tall and fight valiantly...for his right to play cyber Scrabble during a few boring pre-flight moments.
