Billy Baldwin Rips Into RFK Jr.’s Family History in a Scathing Diss

Actor Billy Baldwin drew inspiration from the iconic 1988 United States vice presidential debate for a recent critique of RFK Jr. The debate featured then-Democratic nominee, Sen. Lloyd Bentsen of Texas, and then-Republican nominee Senator Dan Quayle. Baldwin’s remarks were aimed at taking down RFK Jr., harking back to the famous moment when Bentsen rebutted Quayle’s self-comparison to John F. Kennedy.

The family’s political history has repeatedly surfaced between Baldwin and his once close friend, RFK Jr. Baldwin, 61, emulated Bentsen’s famous takedown with a personalized twist addressing RFK Jr. directly. “Bobby… I served with your father. I knew your father. Your father was a friend of mine. Bobby… you’re no Robert Kennedy,” Baldwin wrote. His pointed criticism followed RFK Jr.’s endorsement of Donald Trump, which Baldwin openly slammed just days prior on social media.

The 1988 debate left a significant mark in political history. Quayle had remarked on his experience, comparing it to that of John F. Kennedy when he ran for President. “I have far more experience than many others that sought the office of vice president of this country. I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency,” Quayle stated confidently.

Bentsen’s response was sharp and memorable: “Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy.” This exchange has since become a part of political vernacular over the years.

Baldwin and Kennedy had been friends for decades before their relationship soured. Although the precise timeline of their fallout remains unclear, Baldwin, the younger brother of actor Alec Baldwin, publicly criticized Kennedy last April. Predicting a short-lived campaign, Baldwin lambasted Kennedy for his alleged infidelity during his marriage to Mary Richardson, who was a friend of Baldwin’s. Richardson tragically took her own life in 2012 amid their divorce proceedings.

On Sunday, Baldwin again voiced his thoughts on social media. “We were friends,” Baldwin wrote. “I loved his politics. His speeches inspired me. We were neighbors. Our kids were friends. We carpooled the kids to school for a few years.” Despite their once-close bond, Baldwin made it clear that he has now “completely” severed ties with Kennedy.

Read more at The Daily Beast.