Alec Baldwin admitted to treating women in “a very sexist way”

As several powerful men in Hollywood are currently denying their alleged sexual misconduct, Alec Baldwin fully admitted to “bullying women” and treating them “in a very sexist way” in the past.

The Paley Center for Media honored the actor on Thursday for his impressive career and his work with the Center’s education initiative. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Baldwin didn’t shy away from talking about the current climate in Hollywood and how he’d like to see the industry change in response to the recent allegations.

“I certainly have treated women in a very sexist way,” Baldwin stated. “I’ve bullied women. I’ve overlooked women. I’ve underestimated women. Not as a rule. From time to time, I’ve done what a lot of men do, which is…when you don’t treat women the same way you treat men. You don’t. I’m from a generation where you really don’t and I’d like that to change. I really would like that to change.

Baldwin said he had heard bits and pieces of sexual assault and harassment stories within his industry throughout the years, but he had no idea how large the problem really was. Now, more aware, Baldwin said he wants to see that all industry workplaces become comfortable spaces for women and calls upon everyone to stay vigilant.

A post shared by Alec Baldwin (@iamabfalecbaldwin) on Sep 18, 2017 at 10:41am PDT

“I think it’s important for us to try to make the workplace and beyond not only comfortable and right and fair and appropriate but productive, as well,” Baldwin said. “I think a lot of what we’re dealing with within this issue is hurting our business. It’s making it less productive.”

A post shared by Alec Baldwin (@iamabfalecbaldwin) on Jul 19, 2017 at 4:25am PDT

We’re heartened to see Baldwin taking responsibility for his actions. He’s acknowledging his role in systemic sexism, which is a vital step in the fight for change.

My oldest, my youngest... A post shared by Alec Baldwin (@iamabfalecbaldwin) on May 3, 2017 at 5:51pm PDT

We hope other men — across all industries — are taking note.