The unexpected tragedy during the shooting of Rust, resulting in the demise of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, has left a deep impact on all involved, especially actor and producer Alec Baldwin. Following the conviction of the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, for involuntary manslaughter, Baldwin is now preparing for his trial that is slated to begin on July 9 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Baldwin’s Potential Defense Strategy
Baldwin, who was both the producer and leading actor on the low-budget Western, allegedly discharged the fatal bullet while rehearsing a scene on October 21, 2021. Despite being informed that the gun was “cold,” it appears that the final safety checks, which could have confirmed the absence of live ammunition, might not have been carried out by Baldwin. Director Joel Souza was injured in this unfortunate incident, while Hutchins lost her life, leading to a potential 18-month prison sentence for Baldwin.
According to sources, Baldwin’s legal team is aiming to strengthen his defense by compiling a list of celebrities who have publicly supported him, as reported by TMZ. This strategy could provide the jury with insights into an actor’s responsibilities when handling firearms on set and the chain of command that ensures the safety of the cast and crew.
Celebrities in Support of Baldwin
Veteran actor Mickey Rourke voiced his support for Baldwin in an Instagram post in January 2023, stating, “Most actors don’t know anything about guns especially if they didn’t grow up around them.” Rourke further expounded on the process involved in safely delivering a gun to an actor on set and vehemently opposed the charges against Baldwin.
Frances Fisher, an active member of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), tweeted in support of Baldwin, criticizing those lacking industry experience for their ignorance and questioning the lack of investigation into the person responsible for placing the live round in the gun.
“Anyone NOT in the industry or who has not worked on a set should STFU – you’re showing your ignorance. The grandstanding prosecutor doesn’t even go after the true culprit: Who put a live round in the gun? There is NO investigation about that. THAT is the question.” – Frances Fisher (@Frances_Fisher), January 20, 2023
Debra Messing, along with Rourke and Fisher, could potentially receive subpoenas if Baldwin’s legal team decides to leverage their celebrity status in the court case. Rourke, however, has expressed no qualms about this, asserting that he would be there “100%” for Baldwin.
However, it’s important to note that the decision to include celebrity testimonies in the trial is not yet finalized, and Baldwin’s legal team has not contacted Rourke regarding this. Regardless, the trial is set to be a highly publicized event in the coming summer.
Implications of the Case
This tragic incident has sparked a critical conversation about safety protocols on film sets, especially concerning the use of firearms. It underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and the crucial role of every individual involved in a film production in ensuring the safety of the entire team.
As we await the commencement of the trial, the industry and the public continue to grieve the loss of Halyna Hutchins, whose untimely death has left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
