Hilaria Baldwin Learned About Code Switching After Accent Controversy: ‘Whole World Was Mean to Me’

Lessons from the Spotlight: Hilaria Baldwin on Identity, Code Switching, and Growth

Hilaria Baldwin, the wife of Alec Baldwin, has recently opened up about the lessons she learned from her highly publicized fake accent controversy. In the Sunday, March 16, episode of TLC’s The Baldwins, Hilaria had a heartfelt conversation with her 11-year-old daughter Carmen’s friend. During their talk, she explained how she had to adapt her Spanish accent depending on who she was around. Hilaria introduced the concept of "code switching," a term she had to learn after facing public scrutiny. She described it as a chameleon-like ability to change one’s speech, mannerisms, and even behavior to fit into different social environments, often without even realizing it. "People who code switch, we are very good at being a chameleon. You are not even thinking about it because it is just normal [to you]," she said. She emphasized that this adaptability stems from growing up with multiple cultural influences, which often leaves one feeling like they don’t fully belong to any single group. "Growing up in a way where you have multiple cultural influences on you means that you are never going to be able to fit in. You can try — you can chameleon," she explained.

Navigating Public Scrutiny and Learning to Let Go

Hilaria also spoke candidly about how she has dealt with the negative attention she received. "Being in the spotlight, people ask if I get used to it. No. You never get used to people being mean. But you take a deep breath and you learn to distance yourself from it. You just try to turn down the volume of it. I am not going to take it personally," she said. This scrutiny began in December 2020 when social media users accused her of fabricating her Spanish heritage. Despite being born Hilary in Boston, Massachusetts, Hilaria had often spoken about her Spanish roots and used a Spanish accent in public appearances. She addressed the controversy in a video posted on Instagram, where she acknowledged the questions surrounding her identity and sought to clarify her background. In the video, she explained that she was raised in a bilingual household, spending time in both Massachusetts and Spain, and that her parents and sibling still live in Spain. She also expressed regret for not being clearer about her background earlier. "My parents raised my brother and me with two cultures, American and Spanish, and I feel a true sense of belonging to both. The way I’ve spoken about myself and my deep connection to two cultures could have been better explained — I should have been more clear and I’m sorry," she said in a February 2021 statement.

Embracing Bilingualism and Cultural Pride

On the TLC show The Baldwins, Hilaria used the platform to further discuss her identity and cultural background. She emphasized the importance of bilingualism and the pride she feels in being able to speak multiple languages. "I’m raising my kids to be bilingual, I was raised bilingual," she explained in a confessional segment. She also shared her desire to instill a sense of pride in her children for their linguistic and cultural heritage. Hilaria’s husband, Alec Baldwin, also appeared on the show and light-heartedly mentioned his occasional difficulty in understanding her when she speaks with a Spanish cadence. "Let’s talk slower. You are speaking English in a Spanish cadence which is always perilous for me," he said. "Just slow down a kiss, I can’t understand you." While Alec’s comment added a touch of humor to the episode, it also highlighted the unique dynamics of their bilingual household.

Defending Her Identity and Humanity

In response to her critics, Hiliaria defended her authenticity and the natural aspects of code switching. She explained that her language and mannerisms are influenced by her diverse background and the communities she has been a part of. "It was my family, my friends, my community who speak multiple languages, who have belonged in multiple places and realize that we are a mix of all these different things and that’s going to have an impact on how we sound and an impact on how we articulate things and the words that we choose and our mannerisms. That’s normal. That’s called being human," she said. Her words serve as a reminder that cultural identity is complex and multifaceted, and that it is natural for people to adapt and express themselves in ways that reflect their diverse experiences.

Reflections on Personal Growth and Community

Hilaria has expressed a commitment to learning and growing from the controversy. In her February 2021 statement, she wrote, "I’ve spent the last month listening, reflecting, and asking myself how I can learn and grow. My parents raised my brother and me with two cultures, American and Spanish, and I feel a true sense of belonging to both. The way I’ve spoken about myself and my deep connection to two cultures could have been better explained — I should have been more clear and I’m sorry." She also emphasized the importance of maintaining a supportive and kind community, which she and her family have worked hard to build. "Being vulnerable and pushing ourselves to learn and grow is what we’ve built our community on, and I hope to get back to the supportive and kind environment we’ve built together," she said. This commitment to growth and understanding is a key part of her journey moving forward.

Moving Forward with Gratitude and Hope

In conclusion, Hilaria Baldwin’s journey through the challenges of cultural identity and public scrutiny has been one of learning, growth, and resilience. She has embraced her bilingual and bicultural heritage, using her platform to educate others about the natural process of code switching and the beauty of cultural diversity. While the experience has been difficult at times, Hilaria remains focused on raising her children with pride in their roots and fostering a community built on kindness and understanding. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing our complexities and celebrating the unique ways in which we navigate the world. The Baldwins continues to air on TLC Sundays at 10 p.m. ET, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of this dynamic and multifaceted family.