Alec Baldwin is speaking out following the abrupt dismissal of his “Rust” criminal case on Friday for allegedly tampering with evidence.
In a statement shared on Instagram on Saturday, the 66-year-old “30 Rock” star thanked his supporters after a judge closed his criminal trial. Baldwin was charged with manslaughter in the 2021 death of cinematographer Halina Hutchins when a prop gun he was holding went off during rehearsals for the film “Lust.”
“There are so many people who have supported me and I can't express my gratitude enough right now,” Baldwin wrote, sharing a photo of himself in court.
“You guys will never know how much I appreciate your kindness towards my family,” he added.
Alec Baldwin's 'fraud' lawsuit dismissed:Judge cites 'suppressed' evidence
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Fans and some celebrities also commented to show their support for Baldwin.
“Good luck,” Ricky Martin wrote. “💪 So happy for you and your family.”
Jeremy Renner commented, “Take care,” while Sean Hayes wrote, “Love you my friend. ❤️.”
The trial ended in a shocking twist on Friday, when Baldwin broke down in tears in court after First Judicial District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer announced the dismissal of the manslaughter charge. The actor's defense had argued that prosecutors had suppressed evidence “that may have suggested an outside source of live ammunition” to “gain an advantage for Baldwin.”
“The belated discovery of this evidence during trial precluded its effective use and undermined the fundamental fairness of the trial,” Sommer said. “The defense is not in a position to test the state's theory as to the source of the live bullet that killed Ms. Hutchins.”
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The judge also said prosecutors “continue to fail to disclose critical evidence against the defendant” and that “the State's deliberate and deliberate suppression of this information was deliberate and premeditated.”
At the end of the trial, Baldwin was photographed embracing his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, in court. The charges were dismissed and cannot be refiled.
Gloria Allred, an attorney representing Hutchins' family, said Saturday in the civil lawsuit that they “remain committed to holding Alec Baldwin and the entire production of 'Lust' accountable” and were not affected by the judge's decision, KCAL reported.
Baldwin's case was closed when “Rust” weapons manufacturer Hannah Gutierrez Reed was convicted of manslaughter in March. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Contributor: Kimi Robinson, USA Today, Andrew Hay, Reuters
