Alec Baldwin claims Americans wanted him 'dead' after fatal 'Rust' shooting: 'They want you to die'
SAN FE, NEW MEXICO: Alec Baldwin, 66, opened up about the public and industry backlash he faced following the tragic 2021 death of 'Rust' cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Speaking on the December 17 episode of David Duchovny’s 'Fail Better' podcast, the actor shared his perspective on the aftermath of the fatal incident, which occurred when a prop gun he was holding discharged during a rehearsal, as reported by Independent.
Alec Baldwin says 'America wanted me to die' after 'Rust' tragedy
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“There’s more to come, but the more to come is now my effort, and it’s going to be undeniably a successful effort, to raise and to expose what really happened,” Baldwin said, referring to his ongoing efforts to shed light on the incident. Though his involuntary manslaughter charges were dismissed in July, the star emphasized his intention to uncover what he believes to be the full truth.
Baldwin told Duchovny, “I was counterpunching. I was on the defensive. I was being accused. I was being indicted.” Baldwin criticized the media for amplifying negative narratives while suppressing information that could have supported his case.
Alec Baldwin opens up on on public and industry backlash
Baldwin expressed that he felt ostracized by the public and entertainment industry after Hutchins's death, claiming the backlash extended beyond professional criticism.
“In this country, when people hate you on that level, they want three things,” Baldwin said, adding “They want you to die. They want you to go to prison... and they want you canceled, which is like being dead because you roam the earth invisible.”
During a conversation with Duchovny, the 'Beetlejuice' actor shared his optimism about moving forward after his involuntary manslaughter case was dismissed, saying, “by the communications I’ve had lately that things are coming back my way to work.”
Baldwin further stated that a lot about this case remains undisclosed due to the absence of a full trial surrounding Hutchins’s death.
“The judge canceled the case,” Baldwin explained, adding “She ruled that it was dismissed with prejudice, which I’m very grateful for because it was a very informed decision on her part. But if I’d gone all the way and gotten a verdict, that’s a little bit better because a bunch of people in a jury had considered the facts and we would’ve presented so much more. All that doesn’t get presented because the case is over.”
Despite the case’s dismissal, Baldwin revealed his frustrations over the lack of a full trial to present all evidence. He noted that while he was relieved by the outcome, a trial verdict could have further vindicated him in the public eye.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison for bringing live ammunition onto the set and failing to follow proper safety protocols.
Alec Baldwin’s claim that public wanted him dead after 'Rust' shooting sparks online debate
Alec Baldwin's recent remarks about facing intense public backlash following the Rust shooting incident have ignited widespread discussion on social media.
One user expressed their enjoyment of the podcast, writing, "I enjoyed this conversation immensely!!!" Another said, "Great conversation. I didn’t want the episode to end."
Many fans shared their enthusiasm for the podcast format and praised Baldwin and Duchovny’s conversation, with one writing, "Two amazing guys together! This podcast is the best thing of the decade. Thank you Lemonadamedia and David Duchovny for providing us with the best personal stories."
“I look forward to hearing this later. I love the podcast!” wrote another fan.
Some users were quick to voice surprise, writing, "Another podcast to follow! How did I not know this?"
"Could’ve listened for hours," a user said.
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