Internet outraged as Alec Baldwin plans calling celebrity pals as witnesses in 'Rust' manslaughter trial
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The high-profile case surrounding Alec Baldwin's fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film 'Rust' has taken a controversial turn.
In a move that has sparked widespread outrage across social media, Baldwin and his legal team are reportedly considering calling upon a star-studded list of celebrity friends and colleagues to testify as witnesses in his upcoming involuntary manslaughter trial, as per Daily Mail.
This strategy, which aims to shed light on an actor's responsibility regarding firearms on set, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many accusing Baldwin of attempting to leverage his powerful Hollywood connections to avoid accountability.
Alec Baldwin's legal team putting together a list of people to take stand
According to insiders close to the case, the Oscar-nominated actor, 65, and his team are "considering putting together a list of famous people" to take the stand in his defense. Baldwin previously entered a not-guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter charges in January.
The potential celebrity witnesses would allegedly focus their testimony on the extent of an actor's responsibility regarding weapons on a film set. Sources revealed to TMZ that plans were still in the early stages, but the team was eyeing people who've already spoken out in Baldwin's defense.
Actors who have publicly supported Baldwin include his 'Rust' co-star Frances Fisher, as well as Mickey Rourke, Debra Messing, and DJ Qualls.
New Mexico jury recently convicted armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed of involuntary manslaughter
The development unfolds just one day after a New Mexico jury swiftly convicted the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, of involuntary manslaughter in connection to Hutchins' tragic death. Gutierrez-Reed, 26, now faces up to 18 months in prison as she awaits sentencing.
Scheduled for July, Baldwin's trial will feature the same judge, prosecutors, and numerous witnesses. Baldwin consistently asserts that he only pulled back the gun's hammer, not the trigger, resulting in the accidental discharge that claimed Hutchins' life and injured director Joel Souza.
Internet erupts with outrage at Alec Baldwin considering celebrity witnesses in manslaughter trial
The revelation of Baldwin considering celebrity witnesses in his manslaughter trial sparked a wave of outrage across the internet. One user on Facebook lamented, "He was a producer, and it's his responsibility to ensure anyone working on that set knows what they are doing. Sounds like keeping costs down was more important than hiring experienced people."
Another user highlighted a common perception: "Lots of rich and famous get away with everything." A third user expressed a more pointed critique, remarking, "Should have been in prison years ago. He's never shown any emotion over what he did; that is psychopathic behavior."
Another individual asserted, "Dudes gonna skate as he has very powerful friends in high places." One user said, "He won’t spend a day in jail." Another user suggested a drastic measure, stating, "They should just scrap this movie. Doesn't even sound good."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
