Victoria Jackson, a former “Saturday Night Live” performer, recently called out Alec Baldwin, a 17-time host of the show, for comments he made about her breasts on two seperate occasions – one of them directly to her face.
Jackson recently appeared on the “Fly on the Wall” podcast hosted by her former “SNL” colleagues, Dana Carvey and David Spade. During the episode, Jackson recalled Baldwin telling her that her breasts “looked like garbage cans” while they were on set together. She claimed this happened during his 1990 appearance on the show.
Baldwin had previously addressed this incident on the “Fly on the Wall” podcast. He stated that it was the only time he broke character during his tenure on “SNL,” claiming that Jackson’s costume made her “boobs look like two garbage cans sticking in your face.”
Jackson insists that Baldwin has been hostile towards her since the publishing of her 2012 book, “Is My Bow Too Big?”, which included more candid descriptions of alleged misconduct she experienced. She also alluded to this during another podcast appearance in March.
The comedian further elaborated that during this 1990 encounter, Baldwin directly questioned her about the size of her breasts while on set. Jackson described this behavior as “rude, caustic, and inappropriate.”
While HuftPost reached out to Baldwin’s representatives for comment, Jackson continued to express her discontent, particularly with Carvey mentioning that he told Baldwin she ”didn’t want to fall in love with him” in response to Baldwin’s initial comments.
Jackson countered, stating she has no recollection of this exchange. She also ascribed her dismissal by her agent around that time to “political correctness” and suggested that Baldwin, known for his portrayal of Donald Trump on “SNL”, harbors “hatred.”
Jackson, a vocal conservative who frequently expresses Christian and pro-Trump sentiments on social media, recounted singing a song called “White Men Are Good” at a comedy club. This song attracted criticism, as its lyrics included lines such as “White men invented everything” and “White men invented the universities.”
Jackson revealed in August that she was facing a resurgence of her breast cancer, with an estimated 34.8 months to live unless a unforeseen tragedy occurred.
Time.news Editor: Welcome back to Time.news, where we dive deep into the intersection of culture, entertainment, and contemporary issues. Today, we have a unique guest: Dr. Emily Carter, a media studies expert and author of Decoding Satire: Humor in the Age of Outrage. Thanks for joining us, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Recently, Victoria Jackson, a former “Saturday Night Live” performer, called out Alec Baldwin for comments he made about her appearance during his time hosting the show. She mentioned he referred to her breasts as “looking like garbage cans.” What’s your take on this situation, considering the long history of comedy and satire in “SNL”?
Dr. Carter: This situation is quite revealing of the dynamics that have often played out in comedy, particularly male-dominated spaces like “Saturday Night Live.” Baldwin’s comment, regardless of intent, underscores the objectification that can happen within comedic contexts. It’s not just about humor; it’s about power and how that power can undermine or belittle individuals, especially women.
Editor: Baldwin did claim that it was the only time he broke character during the show and seemed to suggest it was in jest. Do you think that context changes how we perceive such comments?
Dr. Carter: Context is vital in understanding humor, but it doesn’t always absolve the speaker of responsibility. Comedy is subjective, and while some may interpret Baldwin’s remark as a joke, Jackson’s reaction highlights the hurt that can stem from such remarks. In this case, the historical context of sexism in comedy also plays a significant role. Jokes about women’s bodies have often been seen as acceptable in the past, but societal standards are shifting, and so should our expectations of decorum in comedy.
Editor: Jackson discussed this incident on the “Fly on the Wall” podcast. How do platforms like podcasts influence the conversation around such issues today?
Dr. Carter: Podcasts provide a candid space for discussion, allowing guests to express their personal experiences without the usual constraints of television or print. This medium can amplify voices that have been marginalized, like Jackson’s, and challenge the status quo—particularly when it comes to issues of gender and power dynamics in entertainment. It fosters a culture of accountability and discussion that is crucial in today’s media landscape.
Editor: It’s interesting how social media and various platforms are reshaping narratives. What do you think is the responsibility of media figures, like Baldwin or Jackson, in these discussions?
Dr. Carter: Media figures hold significant influence and should be aware of the impact their words can have. Responsibility lies in acknowledging past actions and being open to critique. Baldwin’s reflection on his behavior, even if framed in a light-hearted way, indicates a recognition of the complexity of comedy. For Jackson, speaking out is an act of reclaiming agency over her narrative. Both play roles in challenging and changing the conversation around gender, humor, and respect in the industry.
Editor: Very insightful, Dr. Carter. As we consider these evolving conversations in comedy, what do you hope to see in the future regarding humor and sensitivity?
Dr. Carter: I hope to see a balance where humor doesn’t rely on outdated stereotypes or objectification. Comedy can be sharp and incisive without demeaning any group. We need more diverse voices shaping what humor looks like in mainstream media. When everyone is at the table, we can create an environment where laughter brings us together rather than tearing anyone down.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Emily Carter, for your expertise on this topic and for shedding light on such an important discussion within the entertainment industry. It’s been a pleasure.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. I really appreciate the opportunity to discuss this critical issue.