Prosecutors Allege Alec Baldwin's Behavior Contributed to Safety Issues Leading to Fatal 'Rust' Shooting

Apr 11, 10:00 AM

In a recent legal development, special prosecutors in New Mexico have asserted that actor Alec Baldwin's actions on the set of the movie "Rust" played a significant role in creating safety compromises that ultimately led to the tragic shooting incident claiming the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.

Responding to a motion filed by Baldwin's legal team in March seeking to dismiss the indictment against him, prosecutors detailed their case, alleging Baldwin's changing narrative and lack of emotional control during filming contributed to unsafe conditions on set.

According to a copy of the response obtained by CNN, prosecutors stated that Baldwin's behavior, including demands for a faster pace of work and frequent outbursts directed at crew members, compromised safety standards on the "Rust" set. Witnesses purportedly testified that Baldwin's conduct created an environment conducive to safety lapses.

Furthermore, the filing pointed out Baldwin's role as a producer on the film and accused him of overlooking the inexperience and overwhelmed nature of the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March. Prosecutors argued that Baldwin's disregard for safety concerns, coupled with Gutierrez Reed's negligence, proved fatal for Hutchins.

In addition to criticizing Baldwin's on-set behavior, prosecutors took issue with his public statements following the incident, accusing him of attempting to manipulate public opinion.

Baldwin's legal team, however, has vehemently contested the charges against him, denouncing the indictment as an abuse of the legal system. In their March filing, they argued that Baldwin had been unfairly subjected to public scrutiny for over two years and called for the dismissal of the charges against him.

The shooting incident on the set of "Rust" occurred during a scene rehearsal when a gun held by Baldwin discharged a live round, resulting in Hutchins' death and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in January, and the legal proceedings continue to unfold amid intense scrutiny and debate surrounding the case.
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