CNN is reporting that special prosecutors have submitted a filing asserting that Alec Baldwin’s actions on the set of the movie “Rust” played a significant role in creating unsafe conditions, which ultimately led to the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021. The legal team for Baldwin had previously sought to have the charges against him dismissed in March.
Prosecutors contend that Baldwin has provided inconsistent accounts regarding the circumstances of the shooting and assert that he exhibited uncontrolled emotional behavior on set, as detailed in documents CNN obtained. A representative for Baldwin chose not to comment on these latest allegations.
The prosecutors’ filing highlights early incidents on set where Baldwin is alleged to have pressured the film crew and Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer, to accelerate their work pace, a demand that they claim routinely endangered set safety. The document describes Baldwin as often yelling and using profanity toward crew members or expressing frustration openly, behavior witnesses say directly impacted the set’s safety protocols.
Baldwin, despite his fans and onscreen persona, is widely known for his emotional outbursts and controlling nature.
In January, Baldwin entered a plea of not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the incident, which resulted in Hutchins’s death and also injured director Joel Souza during a rehearsal. Gutierrez Reed, tasked with managing the film’s firearms, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March and is facing a potential 18-month prison sentence and a $5,000 fine.
The prosecution also points to claims that Gutierrez Reed lacked experience and was potentially unable to manage her responsibilities on set, issues that were allegedly ignored by Baldwin, who also served as a producer. The filing starkly states that the combined effect of Gutierrez Reed’s purported negligence and Baldwin’s alleged indifference was fatal for Hutchins.
Baldwin’s post-incident public statements have also come under fire from prosecutors, accusing him of trying to influence public opinion in his favor, while Baldwin’s defense team has accused the prosecution of mishandling the situation and unjustly tarnishing Baldwin’s reputation.
Baldwin’s trial is set for July with jury selection scheduled to begin July 9 with the trial expected to run from July 10-19.
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