Alec Baldwin, a producer and star of the film, was charged last month for his role in the 2021 death of Halyna Hutchins
Alec Baldwin Enters a Not Guilty Plea for Manslaughter Charges in the Fatal Shooting of a Young Woman on the Set of a Low-budget Western, According to US Court Documents on Wednesday.
Baldwin, both a producer and lead actor in the movie, faces charges filed last month in connection with the 2021 death of Halyna Hutchins during the production of the period film “Rust” in New Mexico.
The incident occurred as he held a Colt .45, which accidentally discharged, resulting in the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins and injuries to the film’s director, Joel Souza.
Baldwin has consistently refuted any responsibility, maintaining that he did not intentionally pull the trigger of the firearm, which, according to him, should not have been loaded with a live round.
Alec Baldwin Asserts Innocence, Pleads Not Guilty to Manslaughter Charge In ‘Rust’ Shooting Incident
The incident reverberated across Hollywood, sparking demands for a reevaluation and increased regulations regarding the handling of firearms on movie sets.
However, it also triggered allegations of lax management, with voices in the industry contending that existing regulations were already stringent, and their proper adherence was neglected during the production of “Rust.”
Alec Baldwin’s legal representatives, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, have submitted a request for an expedited trial to mitigate public condemnation and skepticism, and to circumvent the challenges associated with proving innocence that often emerge after prolonged delays in prosecution.
Originally scheduled to virtually appear in a New Mexico court for an arraignment on Thursday, Alec Baldwin’s lawyers submitted a waiver on his behalf, which included his plea of not guilty.
Initial manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin, aged 65, were dropped in April last year, citing “new facts” requiring “further investigation and forensic analysis.” Subsequently, a grand jury was convened, resulting in the current indictment, potentially leading to an 18-month jail term upon conviction.
Baldwin faces two alternative counts of involuntary manslaughter: one for the “negligent use of a firearm” and another for acting “without due caution or circumspection.” The jury will decide whether to convict him on one, the other, or neither (but not both).
These charges pertain to Baldwin’s actions rather than oversight of the movie, holding him accountable solely as an actor and not in his capacity as a producer.
SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, criticized the charges, contending they arise from an “incorrect assessment of the actual duties of an actor.” The union emphasized that an actor’s role does not extend to being a firearms or weapons expert, as firearms are supplied on set under the supervision of multiple professionals responsible for their safe use.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence in her upcoming trial later this month. Dave Halls, the film’s safety coordinator and assistant director who handed Baldwin the loaded gun, accepted a plea deal and received six months’ probation.
While filming of “Rust” was briefly halted due to the tragedy, it resumed last year. The cinematographer’s widower, Matthew Hutchins, settled a wrongful death suit with “Rust” producers and served as an executive producer on the project. Director Joel Souza also returned, expressing that completing the movie would be “bittersweet,” but the cast and crew are determined to finish what Halyna and he had started.
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