Basinger hires security

Kim Basinger has reportedly hired round-the-clock protection to keep ex-husband Alec Baldwin from their 11-year-old daughter.

According to the New York Post, the Oscar-winning actress stepped up security around her Los Angeles home after Baldwin called daughter Ireland a "rude, thoughtless little pig" during a recorded telephone conversation.

The actor has since apologised publicly and in private to his daughter after the conversion was leaked on the internet.

A friend of Baldwin's tells the Post: "This is a desperate plea for sympathy when the only danger to the child is inside her own home.

"What kind of parent leaks a voicemail that causes her daughter significant embarrassment and unneeded attention?"

Baldwin has been barred from seeing his daughter until a 4 May court date.

His spokesman says: "Alec truly cares about the best interests of his daughter."