Alec Baldwin says people convicted in college admissions scandal shouldn’t go to jail
ABC(New York) — With actress Felicity Huffman in the middle of serving a 14-day prison sentence for her part in the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal, buddy Alec Baldwin turned to Twitter to vent his frustrations about it.
“I don’t think anyone involved in the college fraud cases should go to prison. That includes past cases as well,” he tweeted on Wednesday.
As for what he believes is an appropriate punishment, Baldwin offered, “Community service, fines, yes. But prison time, no. My heart goes out to Felicity, Bill Macy and their family.”
When a Twitter user called Baldwin’s opinion “tone deaf,” the 30 Rock star followed up, “Community service is better. The demonization of wealth in this country is mind blowing.”
He then griped, “A country built on both freedoms and commerce. Now, all success is scrutinized. Merely to succeed, especially financially, invites scrutiny, judgment, abuse.”
Unfortunately for Baldwin, his followers aren’t sparing any sympathy for his friend and vehemently disagree with his point of view.
The Varsity Blues scandal is one of the largest college cheating scams ever prosecuted by the Department of Justice. About 50 people, including Huffman, are accused of buying their children’s way into college.
Huffman was convicted of paying $15,000 to have a third party rig her daughter’s SAT score and sentenced to 14 days in prison. She was also fined $40,000 and must complete 250 hours of community service.
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