In a stunning turn of events, actor Alec Baldwin has vowed to expose the truth behind the tragic Rust film set shooting that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021. Speaking out for the first time since involuntary manslaughter charges against him were dismissed, Baldwin accused the media of suppressing information that could benefit him while amplifying stories that could hurt his reputation.
“The mainstream press and the tabloid press suppressed every story that could benefit me and amplified every story that could hurt me. This has been for three years. And the truth of what happened has never been told,” Baldwin revealed during an appearance on actor David Duchovny’s Fail Better podcast.
Baldwin Claims Media Wanted Him “To Die”
In a shocking accusation, Baldwin alleged that certain elements of the media and political crowds wanted to see him suffer extreme consequences over the shooting incident. “These last three years, people have just dined out. Because in this country, when people hate you on that level, they want three things. They want you to die. The second thing is they want you to go to prison,” he stated.
The actor further claimed that his detractors viewed prison as a “living hell” and relished the idea of seeing their enemies languish behind bars for years. Baldwin also suggested that some sought to have him “cancelled,” equating the experience to being imprisoned or dead. “The third thing is they want you cancelled, which is like being in prison or being dead, because you roam the earth and … you’re invisible,” he explained.
Charges Dismissed, But Questions Remain
The involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin were dismissed in July 2024 due to the prosecution withholding evidence. However, the incident, which resulted in the death of Hutchins and the wounding of director Joel Souza, continues to raise questions about safety protocols on film sets and the allocation of responsibility when tragedies occur.
While assistant director David Halls pleaded no contest to negligent use of a deadly weapon and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter, Baldwin has consistently maintained his innocence. The actor did not attend the recent premiere of the completed Rust film at the Camerimage festival in Poland.
Baldwin Denies Profiting From Tragedy
Addressing allegations that he sought to profit from the tragedy, Baldwin stated during an appearance at the Torino film festival, “The notion that anybody has profited from the film’s sale and distribution is blatantly untrue.” He emphasized that he had waived his fee and given everything to Hutchins’ husband, Matthew Hutchins, who he believes is the sole owner of the film.
Baldwin also expressed gratitude towards his wife, Hilaria, for her unwavering support throughout the ordeal. “I owe my wife everything,” he acknowledged, crediting her for helping him weather the storm of public scrutiny and legal challenges.
A Glimmer of Hope on the Horizon
Despite the immense challenges he has faced, Baldwin remains optimistic about his future prospects. He shared his belief that recent communications indicate a potential shift in public perception and opportunities for work. “I do believe that by the communications I’ve had lately, that things are coming back my way to work, and I’m happy for that because I’ve got seven kids,” he revealed.
As Baldwin prepares to unveil his version of events surrounding the Rust shooting, the entertainment industry and the public await the revelations with bated breath. The actor’s promise to expose the truth has reignited interest in the case and raised expectations for a comprehensive account of what transpired on that fateful day.
While the road ahead may be long and arduous, Baldwin appears determined to clear his name and shed light on the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of Halyna Hutchins. As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether his efforts will bring closure and healing to all those affected by the incident.
