Los Angeles: Alec Baldwin has entered a plea of not guilty to manslaughter charges stemming from the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” in 2021, according to US court documents released on Wednesday.
Baldwin, who served as both producer and star of the Western film, was charged last month in connection with the incident, during which a firearm he was handling discharged, resulting in Hutchins’ death and injuring director Joel Souza.
Despite the charges, Baldwin has maintained his innocence, asserting that he did not pull the trigger of the Colt .45 revolver, which he claims was not supposed to be loaded with live ammunition.
The incident sparked widespread concern within the entertainment industry, prompting calls for stricter safety protocols regarding firearms on film sets. While some attributed the tragedy to lapses in management, others argued that existing regulations were not properly enforced during the production of “Rust.”
In a bid to expedite the legal process, Baldwin’s attorneys have requested a swift trial to mitigate negative public perception and the challenges associated with proving innocence after prolonged legal proceedings.
Initially, manslaughter charges against Baldwin were dropped in April of the previous year, but were later reinstated following further investigation and a grand jury indictment. If convicted, Baldwin could face a sentence of up to 18 months in jail.
Baldwin is facing two alternative counts of involuntary manslaughter, with the jury tasked to determine his culpability based on either negligent use of a firearm or lack of due caution.
Notably, the charges against Baldwin pertain solely to his actions on set and not his role as a producer. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) criticized the charges, arguing that actors should not be held accountable for matters related to firearms handling, which falls under the purview of trained professionals on set.
The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is scheduled to stand trial later this month on charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering. Additionally, Dave Halls, the film’s safety coordinator and assistant director who provided Baldwin with the loaded weapon, accepted a plea deal and received probation.
Despite the tragedy, production on “Rust” resumed last year, with the support of Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, who served as an executive producer on the project. Director Souza also returned, expressing a commitment to finishing the film as a tribute to Hutchins’ legacy.
Baldwin is currently out on bail as the legal proceedings continue.
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