Baldwin apologizes for tirade at his daughter

An emotional Alec Baldwin has offered a public apology to his daughter for his recent outburst and says he wants off his TV show, “30 Rock.”

“Extra” and TMZ.com reported that Baldwin made the statements while taping a segment for Friday’s edition of “The View.” The interview, which sources close to Baldwin described as “emotional, contrite and poignant,” was conducted by two of the show’s co-hosts, Barbara Walters and Rosie O’Donnell. (It was apparently a busy day at “The View,” with this in addition to O’Donnell’s announced departure.)

Baldwin told the hosts that he wanted off “30 Rock” so he could focus on the problems facing divorced parents and their children, and that he was working on a book about divorce litigation. However, sources say NBC will not allow Baldwin out of his contract. A network spokesperson declined to discuss details except to say, “Alec Baldwin remains an important part of ’30 Rock.’ We look forward to having him continue his role in the show.”

Also during the “View” interview, Baldwin apologized to his daughter again for his recent outburst on her cellphone voicemail, “Extra” reported.

Baldwin has been ordered by a Los Angeles judge to stay away from his 11-year-old daughter, Ireland, until a court hearing scheduled for May 4.

In the message, he called his daughter a “rude, thoughtless little pig” and threatened to fly to Los Angeles and “straighten you out” after she didn’t answer her phone when he’d called at a pre-arranged time. Baldwin and his ex-wife, actress Kim Basinger, have joint custody of the child but have been battling for years over visitation rights.