On Thursday, March 14, 2024 a conversation on “The View” unexpectedly shifted to a decades-old Hollywood incident, sparking a widespread debate among viewers and critics.
The discussion panel consisted of Alyssa Farah Griffin, Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, and Joy Behar. They examined Sharon Stone’s allegations about an old event involving her co-star from “Sliver,” Billy Baldwin. The incident was initially detailed on The Louis Theroux Podcast.
Stone, known for her successful roles in “Basic Instinct,” “Total Recall,” and “Casino,” claimed that Robert Evans, the now-deceased film producer, suggested she should engage in a sexual relationship with Baldwin to improve his acting in the 1993 film “Sliver.”
On the podcast, Stone related that she was called into Evans’s office from the movie set. She recalled the late producer pacing in his office, boasting about his past relationship with famed actress Ava Gardner. According to Stone, Evans believed that her on-screen chemistry with Baldwin would be enhanced if they were intimate off-screen, thus improving the film’s overall quality. She stated that enhancing Baldwin’s acting was crucial as his performance was viewed as a weak link.
Baldwin, known for his roles in “Backdraft” and “Flatliners,” responded to Stone’s allegations by criticizing her on social media platforms. He also hinted at a possible book release containing “disturbing, kinky, and unprofessional” stories about Stone.
Joy Behar found the basis of Evans’ suggestion ridiculous, likening it to the irrational idea of beheading a horse to effectively portray a gangster in “The Godfather.” Alyssa Farah Griffin expressed disappointment in Stone for publicizing the incident, arguing it served little purpose other than to dredge up old controversies. This view was shared by Goldberg, who questioned the necessity of revisiting the past.
Sara Haines commented on Stone’s critique of Baldwin’s acting within the same interview, suggesting a more delicate approach could have been employed. Haines and Sunny Hostin insinuated that Stone’s decision to publicize the incident may be more about seeking attention than contributing to meaningful conversations on Hollywood’s issues.
Goldberg defended Baldwin, pointing out the unfair criticism he has faced over the years from women.
This debate reflects the broader challenges the entertainment industry faces as it wrestles with its history of sexual misconduct and the power dynamics that have allowed such behavior to go unchecked.
