Alec Baldwin -- ALL SMILES After Allegations of Racism

New info on the audio tape of the confrontation between Baldwin and the Post photog. Sources tell us ... there is NO mention of a racial slur on the tape. And, we're told, the initial story -- that Baldwin allegedly said "I want to choke you to death" -- is incorrect. We're told in fact Baldwin said, "I want you to choke to death," which is exactly what Baldwin claimed he said.

Alec Baldwin had a bizarre response when TMZ asked if he really did hurl a racial slur at a black photographer this weekend ... he smiled.

Baldwin just arrived at his NYC apartment -- which has now become a base for news reporters and photographers looking for a comment from the actor after he allegedly called a black photog a "coon" and threatened a female reporter this weekend ... something his people strongly deny.