Baldwin Blows a Gasket

Alec Baldwin's daughter, Ireland, got an earful when she listened to a message from her father on April 11. It is being said that Baldwin, infuriated that his daughter missed his phone call, went off on a bit of a rant to the answering machine. The 11-year-old, who is apparently in the center of her estranged parents' very hostile custody battle, missed her dad's scheduled phone call, which merited Baldwin's calling her a "rude, thoughtless pig"-if reports are to be believed. The actor continued with "Once again, I have made an ass of myself trying to get to a phone," and threatened to fly across the country (new York to Los Angeles) to "straighten the girl out."

Baldwin and ex, Kim Basinger, were divorced in 2002, but have been struggling with custody details ever since. In 2005, both parents started in abusing each other's mental health and suitability to raise their daughter. Both were ordered to start counseling. Actress Basinger is also facing contempt of court charges for failing to show for a hearing last fall. The court date was set to examine custody agreement term violations. The next hearing for the estranged pair is set for May 4 to discuss visitation issues.