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The death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust" continues to reverberate through Hollywood, with new developments challenging actor Alec Baldwin's narrative of the tragic incident. In a dramatic turn of events, prominent attorney Gloria Allred has escalated the legal proceedings, demanding Baldwin's testimony in a high-stakes wrongful death lawsuit.
The controversy stems from the October 2021 shooting, where Baldwin's prop gun discharged during a film rehearsal, fatally wounding Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Despite Baldwin's consistent claim that he did not pull the trigger, the incident has left a profound mark on his career and personal life.
In July 2024, a New Mexico state judge dismissed all criminal charges against Baldwin, citing allegations of evidence suppression by the special prosecutor and Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department. This legal victory, however, has not brought closure to the Hutchins family's pursuit of justice.
The recent premiere of TLC's reality show "The Baldwins" has further intensified the controversy. The series, which depicts Baldwin's emotional struggle, has drawn sharp criticism from Hutchins' family. Allred, representing Hutchins' parents Olga Solovey and Anatolii Androsovych, and sister Svetlana Zemko, has raised pointed questions about the show's intent.
"Is this just a shameless attempt to portray him as the real victim?" Allred challenged in a statement. The attorney argues that Baldwin has never reached out to Hutchins' family to express remorse or take responsibility for her death.
The legal landscape remains complex. Baldwin faces multiple civil lawsuits, including one from Hutchins' widower Matthew, who was named an executive producer of the yet-to-be-released film. Production crew members have also filed suits against Baldwin and weapons expert Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March 2024.
Baldwin's response has been multifaceted. He has filed a countersuit against New Mexico officials, alleging malicious prosecution. Meanwhile, the reality show offers a glimpse into his family's perspective, with his wife Hilaria acknowledging the lasting impact of the tragedy.
"We are going to feel and carry this pain forever," Hilaria Baldwin said in the show. "This will be a part of our family story."
The upcoming deposition, scheduled for May 9, represents a critical moment in the ongoing legal saga. Allred's demand for Baldwin's testimony underscores the family's determination to seek accountability and understanding.
