EntertainmentAlec Baldwin's Trial Looms: Charges and Claims Unraveled

Alec Baldwin's Trial Looms: Charges and Claims Unraveled

Alec Baldwin won three Golden Globes for his role in the series "Rockefeller Plaza 30"
Alec Baldwin won three Golden Globes for his role in the series "Rockefeller Plaza 30"
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10:02 AM EDT, April 10, 2024

Alec Baldwin is set to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the production of the Western film, "Rust." Authorities released a report accusing the actor of egregious behavior towards colleagues and alleged attempts to shift the blame onto Hutchins after the unfortunate event.

On October 21, 2021, while on the set of "Rust," a revolver held by Alec Baldwin, a producer, and the lead actor, went off. The gun, wrongly loaded with real bullets, resulted in the death of Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer responsible for the movie's weapons, was found guilty in March of this year of involuntary manslaughter and could face up to 18 months in prison. Baldwin, maintaining his innocence, now confronts a similar accusation.

"He cannot control his own emotions"

Ahead of Baldwin's trial, scheduled to begin in July, the prosecution aired a report delving into not just the fatal mishap but also Baldwin's conduct during the shoot. Allegations against the actor include frequent cursing, yelling at crew members, and hurrying them along.

"To watch Mr Baldwin’s conduct on the set of Rust is to witness a man who has absolutely no control of his own emotions and absolutely no concern for how his conduct affects those around him. Witnesses have testified that it was this exact conduct that contributed to safety compromises on set." states prosecutor Kari Morrissey in the 32-page public documentation quoted by "The Guardian."

"Mr. Baldwin's claims are contradictory and absurd"

The prosecution also highlighted Baldwin's inconsistencies. Initially, he attributed the direction of the gun's aim during rehearsal to the director. However, in an ABC interview, he blamed the late cinematographer.

Moreover, Baldwin was accused of misleadingly addressing another critical aspect.

The prosecutors question Baldwin's version that he pulled back the hammer of the gun and had no intention of shooting. As they state, those who understand how revolvers work would recognize that pulling back the hammer is a step taken in anticipation of firing.

Will Harrison Ford be a witness?

The report also incorporates expert testimony in ballistics and forensic studies, indicating that it must have been engaged despite Baldwin's repeated denials of pulling the trigger.

Baldwin's trial is set to commence on July 10. The defense reportedly intends to summon Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as character witnesses, drawing on their vast experience for a favorable testimony.
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