Yesterday, Alec Baldwin got some good news in court, as Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer granted the defense’s motion to dismiss his case. The actor was being tried for involuntary manslaughter, following a tragic accidental shooting on the set of Rust in 2021. Reportedly, Baldwin was rehearsing a scene when the gun he was holding discharged. This claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza.
Baldwin’s case was also dismissed with prejudice, meaning that he cannot be tried again on the same charge. He got emotional following the unexpected news, breaking down as the judge explained her ruling. Now, he’s taken to Instagram to break his silence on the verdict with a heartfelt message to those who have supported him along the way.
“There are too many people who have supported me to thank just now,” he captioned a photo of himself in the courtroom earlier today. “To all of you, you will never know how much I appreciate your kindness toward my family.” His comments section is currently flooded with supportive messages from followers, congratulating him on reaching the conclusion of the longwinded legal battle. To celebrate, Baldwin hosted a small gathering at a hotel bar. He was joined by his attorneys Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas, his wife Hilaria, and more.
According to TMZ, the team behind his upcoming documentary about the accidental shooting was also in attendance. They were spotted holding a camera, though it’s unclear whether or not they were filming for the doc or his separate TLC reality show The Baldwins, which is also currently in the works. What do you think of Alex Baldwin celebrating his latest legal victory with a gathering at a hotel bar? What about his heartfelt message to his supporters? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Today was the third day of Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter trial, and already, the actor has gotten some great news. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer granted the defense’s motion to dismiss the case. Unsurprisingly, he broke down in tears upon hearing the judge’s ruling, as this has surely been a hard road for the 66-year-old. He could have spent up to 18 months behind bars had he been convicted. Baldwin was also spotted hugging his wife, Hilaria, in the courtroom.
In the defense’s motion, they argued that live ammunition related to the accidental shooting that took the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was “concealed” from them. Judge Sommer says this “injected needless delay into the proceedings,” and was “highly prejudicial to the defendant.” She also dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning that Baldwin cannot be retried on the same charge.
Alec Baldwin Gets Emotional While Judge Explains Her Ruling
BREAKING: Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the ‘Rust’ moving shooting case with prejudice against #AlecBaldwin. When Baldwin heard her ruling, he started to sob and later hugged his family. Baldwin was facing an involuntary manslaughter charge. pic.twitter.com/v9gfv2xd92
— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) July 12, 2024
“There is no way for the court to right this wrong,” she explained as Baldwin grew emotional. The dismissal comes after lead prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey took the stand, giving her account of why the ammunition was not handed over to the defense. “It was my impression that they did not match the live rounds from the set of ‘Rust,’” she explained, also claiming to have only seen a photo of it. The evidence was later brought into the courtroom in an envelope and examined. It was then determined that some of the rounds did match the ones found on set. “I never saw them until today,” Morrissey claimed.
“They buried it,” one of Baldwin’s lawyers Luke Nikas said of the evidence at the time. “They put it under a different case with a different number.” Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, is currently serving an 18-month sentence for loading the live rounds into the gun that killed Hutchins. What do you think of Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter case getting dismissed with prejudice? What about his emotional reaction to the judge’s ruling? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Today was the third day of Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter trial, and already, the actor has gotten some great news. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer granted the defense’s motion to dismiss the case. Unsurprisingly, he broke down in tears upon hearing the judge’s ruling, as this has surely been a hard road for the 66-year-old. He could have spent up to 18 months behind bars had he been convicted. Baldwin was also spotted hugging his wife, Hilaria, in the courtroom.
In the defense’s motion, they argued that live ammunition related to the accidental shooting that took the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was “concealed” from them. Judge Sommer says this “injected needless delay into the proceedings,” and was “highly prejudicial to the defendant.” She also dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning that Baldwin cannot be retried on the same charge.
Alec Baldwin Gets Emotional While Judge Explains Her Ruling
BREAKING: Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the ‘Rust’ moving shooting case with prejudice against #AlecBaldwin. When Baldwin heard her ruling, he started to sob and later hugged his family. Baldwin was facing an involuntary manslaughter charge. pic.twitter.com/v9gfv2xd92
— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) July 12, 2024
“There is no way for the court to right this wrong,” she explained as Baldwin grew emotional. The dismissal comes after lead prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey took the stand, giving her account of why the ammunition was not handed over to the defense. “It was my impression that they did not match the live rounds from the set of ‘Rust,’” she explained, also claiming to have only seen a photo of it. The evidence was later brought into the courtroom in an envelope and examined. It was then determined that some of the rounds did match the ones found on set. “I never saw them until today,” Morrissey claimed.
“They buried it,” one of Baldwin’s lawyers Luke Nikas said of the evidence at the time. “They put it under a different case with a different number.” Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, is currently serving an 18-month sentence for loading the live rounds into the gun that killed Hutchins. What do you think of Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter case getting dismissed with prejudice? What about his emotional reaction to the judge’s ruling? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Alec Baldwin is shown slapping the phone of a pro-Palestine demonstrator who approached him in a coffee shop in New York in a new video. The video was shared on social media by an interview show that supports protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Alec Baldwin can be seen getting increasingly irritated by the confrontation in the coffee shop. Alec Baldwin’s reaction and the confrontation have sparked quite a stir on social media.
Baldwin has recently pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter after a grand jury indicted him for his involvement in the accidental death on the set of Rust. The cinematographer of his film Rust was accidentally shot by a pro-gun that was loaded with live ammunition. Baldwin has been on trial for his alleged involvement in the tragic story. The allegations and charges were initially withdrawn. But earlier this year, a grand jury decided to re-indict the renowned actor. An FBI report indicating that Baldwin’s gun could not have fired without the trigger being pressed is a significant piece of evidence that the motion opposes.
Baldwin refused the protestor’s demands to say “free Palestine” and asked the coffee shop employees to call the police. Baldwin then opened and held the door for the protestors and gestured for them to leave the establishment. The protestor continued her contraction of the famous actor, and Baldwin continued to gesture for them to leave. Baldwin asked the protestor, “Can you do me one quick favor?” then smacking her phone out of her hand. The protestor repeatedly asked, “Free Palestine, Alec, just one time, and I’ll leave you alone. I’ll leave you alone, I swear, just say free Palestine one time.” The protestor also brought up Baldwin’s current legal troubles, being charged with manslaughter.
Baldwin has had run-ins with pro-Palestine protestors before, which is probably why he was confronted in the coffee shop. In December, Baldwin did the confronting as he angrily went up to protesters in Manhattan, telling them to “shut the f— up.” Baldwin was then escorted away by the police at the rally. As Baldwin was led away by police, the crowds started asking him about the Rust shooting, mocking the actor’s involvement. Overall, Baldwin is involved in another negative situation.
Alec Baldwin has filed a motion to dismiss the manslaughter charge he will face trial over later this year. Per documents released by TMZ, Baldwin and his team have accused the Santa Fe District Attorney of “rigging” the grand jury process against Baldwin. Baldwin’s team says the seven witnesses presented to the grand jury were “biased” against the actor. They allege that three were on the “DA’s payroll” while another is currently suing Baldwin in a civil suit. A date has not been set to hear the motion. Baldwin’s trial is currently scheduled for July.
Baldwin is charged with the involuntary manslaughter of a cinematographer on the set of his film Rust. Halyna Hutchins was killed when a prop firearm held by Baldwin discharged a live round on the New Mexico set. Baldwin was initially charged but later saw the charges dropped. However, a grand jury chose to re-indict the veteran actor earlier this year. A major piece of evidence, with the motion contests, is an FBI report that Baldwin’s gun could not have fired without the trigger being pulled.
Meanwhile, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on Rust, has been found guilty for her role in the on-set death of Hutchins. The 26-year-old was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, which carries a potential sentence of 18 months in prison and a $5000 fine. However, Guiterrez-Reed was found not guilty on an evidence tampering charge. This week, a judge set a sentencing hearing next month for Gutierrez-Reed.
Gutierrez-Reed’s role in the death of Halyna Hutchins was largely one of negligence. The prosecution accused her of unknowingly bringing live ammunition to set. It reportedly remained there for 12 days before the fatal shooting. Prosecutors argued that Gutierrez-Reed’s job, if done correctly, should have spotted the mistake and removed the ammunition well before tragedy struck. Overall, the armorer was lambasted for her failings when it came to gun safety and other basic tenets of her job. Gutierrez-Reed is expected to appeal the decision.
Alec Baldwin has pled not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in New Mexico. Baldwin’s plea comes after a grand jury chose to indict Baldwin over the death of a cinematographer on the set of the Western film Rust, for which Baldwin is also a producer. The grand jury chose to indict Baldwin on similar charges to ones that prosecutors initially dropped in April of last year.
The renewed indictment stems from a new gun analysis that was presented to the grand jury in Santa Fe. Baldwin has claimed that he pulled back the hammer on the replica firearm but did not pull the trigger. Baldwin will remain free pending trial but is prohibited from owning firearms, consuming alcohol, and leaving the country. He is also allowed limited contact with other members of the Rust set for the purposes of promotion. A date for Baldwin’s trial is yet to be set.
Rust finished filming in May 2023, with Baldwin returning to set to finish his scenes. The film, which is working on a budget of $8 million, does not have a release date. The break in production caused several recastings, with Jensen Ackles and Brady Noon both leaving the production due to scheduling conflicts. The film follows Baldwin as a grizzled outlaw who must attempt to save his grandson from a blood-thirsty US Marshal.
However, the shooting incident that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was not the only incident on set. A few weeks after Hutchins was killed, a rigger was bitten by a spider and needed numerous surgeries to avoid an arm amputation. Furthermore, multiple reports about lapses in on-site safety were reportedly raised and ignored by supervisors. The on-set armorer has been charged and is awaiting trial in the case. Meanwhile, another charged individual took a plea deal earlier this year. Baldwin, who is also a producer on the film, has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
Alec Baldwin, a seasoned Hollywood star, boasts a net worth of $70 million as of 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Born on April 3, 1958, in Amityville, New York, Baldwin hails from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His father, Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr., was a high-profile football player turned successful businessman.
Baldwin’s early life provided a glimpse into the world that would later become his stage. Graduating from the esteemed Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, he set his sights on an acting career that would span decades and showcase his versatile talent.
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 09: Alec Baldwin attends the “The Public” premiere during 2018 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 9, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Alec Baldwin’s breakout role came in 1984 with the film The Hunt For Red October,” where he portrayed the enigmatic Jack Ryan. This marked the beginning of a prolific career, leading to iconic performances in films such as Glengarry Glen Ross, The Departed, and The Cooler, which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
However, it was his role as Jack Donaghy in the hit television series 30 Rockthat solidified Baldwin’s status as a household name. The character not only showcased his comedic prowess but also earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards. Baldwin’s ability to seamlessly transition between drama and comedy has been a cornerstone of his enduring success in the entertainment industry.
A Philanthropic Heart: Beyond The Silver Screen
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 22: Actor Alec Baldwin (L) and Hilaria Baldwin attend the 23rd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 22, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for EJAF)
Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Alec Baldwin has consistently demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy. His involvement with organizations like PETA and People For The American Way highlights his dedication to social causes. Baldwin has used his platform to advocate for animal rights and civil liberties, making him not just a talented actor but also a socially conscious individual.
In addition to his advocacy work, Baldwin has been an avid supporter of arts and culture. Moreover, his contributions to various theater projects and involvement with organizations promoting the arts underline his belief in the transformative power of creative expression.
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 23: Actor Alec Baldwin appears on January 23, 2019 in Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City. Baldwin pleaded guilty to second-degree harassment related to an altercation he had with another man over a parking space in 2018. (Photo by Alec Tabak-Pool/Getty Images)
Despite his illustrious career, Alec Baldwin faced a significant setback with the tragic incident on the set of the film Rust in 2021. The accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins cast a shadow over Baldwin’s career and raised questions about safety protocols in the film industry.
Recently, Baldwin has been indicted on an involuntary manslaughter charge related to the incident. This legal development has added a new layer of complexity to an already tragic situation. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact Baldwin’s career and public perception.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alec Baldwin’s journey to a $70 million net worth is a testament to his talent and resilience in the competitive world of Hollywood. From his early days as a budding actor to his iconic roles and philanthropic efforts, Baldwin has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. However, the recent controversy surrounding Rust and the legal proceedings have added a somber chapter to his otherwise illustrious career. As the public awaits the resolution of the legal case, Baldwin’s net worth and reputation hang in the balance, reminding us that even Hollywood stars are not immune to the complexities of life.
Prosecutors in New Mexico are considering whether to refile charges of involuntary manslaughter against Alec Baldwin. The Santa Fe District Attorney’s Office stated that they are discussing the merits of convening a grand jury to refile the charges against Baldwin, arguing that “it may be appropriate for ordinary citizens to choose if Baldwin should face charges”.
However, Baldwin’s attorneys vehemently spoke out against the notion. “It is unfortunate that a terrible tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution. We will answer any charges in court,” Luka Nikas and Alex Spiro told TMZ. The Santa Fe DA initially dropped the charges against Baldwin earlier this year, though the office did state that new evidence could lead to a renewed investigation against Baldwin. According to the DA’s statement, new analysis of the gun disputes Baldwin’s claim that he never pulled the trigger. This remains a developing story and we’ll have any updates as they emerge.
BREAKING: Prosecutors are seeking to recharge actor Alec Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in a 2021 fatal shooting on a movie set. https://t.co/0apuPgqxhL
Rust finished filming in May 2023, with Baldwin returning to set to finish his scenes. The film, which is working on a budget of $8 million, does not have a release date. The break in production caused several recastings, with Jensen Ackles and Brady Noon both leaving the production due to scheduling conflicts. The film follows Baldwin as a grizzled outlaw who must attempt to save his grandson from a blood-thirsty US Marshal.
However, the shooting incident that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was not the only incident on set. A few weeks after Hutchins was killed, a rigger was bitten by a spider and needed numerous surgeries to avoid an arm amputation. Furthermore, multiple reports about lapses in on-site safety were reportedly raised and ignored by supervisors. The on-set armorer has been charged and is awaiting trial in the case. Meanwhile, another charged individual took a plea deal earlier this year. Baldwin, who is also a producer on the film, has maintained his innocent throughout the proceedings.
The PEN America Gala is a celebration of the work of PEN America, a nonprofit that promotes and celebrates freedom of speech through written works. The 2023 gala, held on May 18 at the American Museum of Natural History, had two major honorees. The first was Lorne Michaels, Saturday Night Live‘s creator and showrunner. The second was Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed and controversial novelist. Rushdie was making his first public appearance since being attacked at a lecture in Chautauqua, New York in August 2022.
Also making his first public appearance in some time, albeit for different reasons, was actor Alec Baldwin. Baldwin, who had performed under Michaels as Donald Trump between 2017 and 2020, was making his first public appearance since the criminal charges against the actor had been dropped. Baldwin had been previously charged in the death of a cinematographer on Baldwin’s film Rust. Halyna Hutchins was killed when a firearm Baldwin was holding discharged. However, Baldwin was unable to stay out of the tabloids.
Baldwin Verbally Lashes Out At Server
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 18: Alec Baldwin and Diane Sawyer attend the 2023 PEN America Literary Gala at American Museum of Natural History on May 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for PEN America)
According to a source who spoke with Page Six, the night was not free of controversy for Baldwin. Allegedly, Baldwin stood up from his table to speak with a group of fellow guests. This caused a server carrying food to become trapped behind Baldwin. “Then, when she could pass, she started putting plates on the table,” the insider told Page Six.
“I guess he didn’t like that she did that with him standing there,” the source continued, saying that Baldwin proceeded to “start scolding” the server. After letting her leave, the source told Page Six that the server was overheard saying “I don’t know why he yelled at me.” As for why Baldwin lashed out, Page Six‘s source had a theory on that too. “I’m guessing he felt it was rude of her to start putting plates down while he was standing there.”
Alec Baldwin is breathing a sigh of relief after prosecutors dropped two charges of involuntary manslaughter against him. The charges stem from a fatal shooting in October 2021 on the set of Rust, his latest movie. The tragic accident occurred when Baldwin discharged a firearm with a live round. The shot killed Halyna Hutchins, a 42-year-old cinematographer on the film. Director Joel Souza was also hit but suffered a non-life-threatening injury. Baldwin supports that he never pulled the trigger. Furthermore, even if he had, no live rounds were supposed to be on set, let alone in any weapon.
According to Baldwin, they were setting up what he calls “marking shots.” This is a “practice run” just before filming a scene. In describing the incident to ABC News, the actor says they were trying to get the angle of his gun just right. According to Baldwin, Hutchins kept telling him to point the barrel more toward her. Hutchins was several feet away from Baldwin, behind the camera. The actor says Hutchins repeatedly told him to aim a little higher, a little lower, and such. Finally, Baldwin says, she told him to point the gun barrel just under her armpit. He says that Hutchins also asked him to slowly cock the hammer back, a little more each time.
Alec Baldwin Film Turns Deadly
While Rust began filming on October 6, 2021, Alec Baldwin joined the set a week later, on October 11. One day later, Baldwin posted about the film on his Instagram account. The actor looked scruffy and tired, and made fun of his gray beard. However, he was enthusiastic about the project and the crew. According to Baldwin, that same day he posted on Instagram, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 24, the armorer (the person in charge of all weapons on set), gave him a safety demonstration. He recalls details such as remembering to fake kickback on the gun.
Since blank rounds don’t move your hand, Reed allegedly reminded Baldwin to make the weapon recoil by jerking his hand upwards. He also noted that Reed instructed him on other matters that seemed standard. These included only ever handing or receiving a weapon from her or Dave Halls, the film’s first assistant director. Baldwin maintains that filming was going well, despite the tight budget of about $5 million. As such, he has said, everyone was expected to pull their weight, and armorer Gutierrez-Reed was no exception. In addition to being an armorer, she was also the assistant prop master. This is highly unusual on a high-budget film, though Baldwin says it’s standard on low-budget movies.
However, despite Baldwin’s assertion that the production was lean but tight, crew members did raise issues. Just days before the tragedy, first camera assistant Lane Looper emailed production managers his resignation letter, citing “safety concerns.” Luper wrote, “During the filming of gunfights on this job, things are often played very fast and loose.” He went on to say, “So far there have been two accidental weapons discharges.” Luper also cited concerns about long commutes, stress, housing, and inadequate rest.
Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter learned that Halls, the assistant director who handed Baldwin the prop gun and yelled “cold gun,” was fired from an earlier indie film in 2019 following another prop gun discharge. A producer on Freedom’s Path said that during filming, “a crewmember incurred a minor and temporary injury when a gun was unexpectedly discharged.” After the incident, Halls “was removed from set.”
On October 21, 2021, the day of the accident, Luper and several other crew members walked off the set. Filming went on with a replacement camera crew. The deadly scene began just after lunch, and besides being down to one camera, all seemed well. Baldwin recounts how he drew the gun as scripted, pointed it toward Hutchins, drew back the hammer, and then let it go when they got the shot. Next, “Bang, the gun goes off.” Baldwin says, “She goes down. I thought to myself, did she faint?”
Baldwin & Gutierrez-Reed Plead Not Guilty
Both Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have pleaded not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charges. In January 2023, assistant director David Halls signed a plea agreement for negligent use of a deadly weapon. The terms include a suspended sentence and six months of probation. No charges are being filed in connection with Souza’s injury. As of April 2023, newly appointed special prosecutors in the case confirmed charges have been dropped against the actor, though noted their investigation remains “active and ongoing.” Baldwin’s charges of involuntary manslaughter were dropped “without prejudice,” meaning that prosecutors could refile charges against the actor after their investigation.
Two charges of involuntary manslaughter against armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are still pending. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza says he recovered three guns and 500 rounds of ammo from the set. He revealed that there was “a mix of blanks, dummy rounds and what we are suspecting [are] live rounds.” On Jan. 12, 2022, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed sued the gun shop owner she bought the ammo from. She accused him of distributing “boxes of ammunition purporting to contain dummy rounds, but which contained a mix of dummy and live ammunition.”
Additionally, the attorney for Gutierrez-Reed cites Hannah’s dual position on the film as problematic, saying that she was “stretched.” Baldwin’s legal team asserts that she or anyone else raised safety or other issues with him at no time. “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin, and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” said attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro in a statement. Filming of Rust is slated to resume this week, having moved from New Mexico to Montana.
