Actor Alec Baldwin has claimed that mainstream media suppressed evidence that could have exonerated him in the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust” in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Speaking on David Duchovny’s “Fail Better” podcast on December 17, Baldwin expressed his belief that the American public had turned against him following the shooting. “In this country when people hate you on that level… they want you to die,” Baldwin said.
The 66-year-old actor, who faced involuntary manslaughter charges that were later dismissed, told Duchovny, “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’s case was dismissed with prejudice in July 2024 by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, who cited “egregious discovery violations constituting misconduct” by law enforcement and prosecutors. The dismissal came after evidence emerged that prosecutors had withheld information about ammunition brought to the Santa Fe County sheriff’s office that could have been connected to the shooting.
“The truth of what happened has never been told,” Baldwin said on the podcast, claiming that mainstream media organizations had “suppressed every story” that could help exonerate him while amplifying stories that could harm his reputation.
The fatal incident occurred during a rehearsal when a prop gun Baldwin was holding discharged a live round, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin, who served as both lead actor and co-producer on “Rust,” has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s armorer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and received an 18-month prison sentence. Prosecutors argued she had unwittingly brought live ammunition onto the set and failed to follow basic gun safety protocols.
Baldwin revealed during the podcast interview that he sees signs of his career recovering. “By the communications I’ve had lately that things are coming back my way to work,” he said.
The case has sparked multiple legal actions, including a civil lawsuit filed by Hutchins’ mother, Olga Solovey, who has stated she will not attend the film’s premiere.
Baldwin has denied profiting from the film’s release, stating he waived his fee and gave everything to Hutchins’ husband, who now owns the film and serves as an executive producer.
