Divorce is always a painful process, but when not only personal relationships are at stake, but also children, the consequences can be even more devastating. Alec Baldwin’s revelations in his reality show The Baldwins shed light on how his complicated relationship with ex-wife Kim Basinger impacted their daughter, Ireland.
According to Alec, the divorce and the subsequent custody battle had a profound effect on their daughter. “I have to say that my divorce from her mother affected my relationship with Ireland so much that the whole situation was a real disaster,” admitted the 66-year-old actor. It was seven years of intense legal battles, some of which were purely financial, with the main focus being custody. “I was very upset by how this affected Ireland,” he remarked.
Baldwin and Basinger’s divorce, finalized in 2002, marked a turning point in their lives, with their daughter Ireland, born in 1995, at the center of the conflict. In his interview, the actor didn’t hide how difficult and emotionally draining the process was. In his 2008 book A Promise to Ourselves: A Journey Through Fatherhood and Divorce, Baldwin wrote that over $15 million was spent on legal battles over custody.
Despite the tumultuous divorce and conflict, Baldwin’s relationship with his daughter improved over time. Alec pointed out that one of the most painful aspects for him was leaving Ireland with such emotional scars, but he was grateful for the chance to rebuild their relationship. “It probably took both of us a long time to get over this, but now I’m proud of how Ireland and I have found common ground,” the Pearl Harbor actor said.
Despite the difference in their personalities and Basinger’s reputation as a controversial figure, her marriage to Alec lasted seven years. After the divorce and difficult legal battles, Kim struggled with depression, panic attacks, and addiction, but over time, she overcame these challenges and became stronger.
Now, years after the painful events, Baldwin has a new family. Since 2012, he has been married to Hilaria, with whom he has three children, along with several children from previous marriages. Ireland has become a successful model, and last year, she became a mother for the first time.
