Actor Alec Baldwin received backlash on social media over a post he published Friday, marking the one-year anniversary of the day cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was wounded after a gun he was holding discharged on the film set of “Rust.”
The post included a photo of Hutchins working on a project, with the caption, “One year ago today…”
“Little insensitive to post this I think,” one person wrote. Another commented, “Is that the person [you] shot?
“It’s your own fault homie,” a comment said. “Why would you even post this?” someone else questioned. “Seems exploitative given you’re getting all the attention from your fans instead of everyone focusing on her and her poor family.”
“Wow. Are you for real?” one reaction said, as another read, “Man you should turn the comments off this post.”
Baldwin has since “limited” comments on the post, which has accumulated more than 94,000 likes.
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Earlier this month, Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions LLC reached a settlement with the Hutchins’ estate for an undisclosed amount over a wrongful death suit filed in February.
“The filming of ‘Rust,’ which I will now executive produce, will resume with all the original principal players on board in January 2023,” husband Matthew Hutchins said in a statement, according to Deadline.
“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin). All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident,” he added. “I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”
The Santa Fe District Attorney’s office is still deciding on criminal charges against the “30 Rock” actor.
“On the anniversary of the tragedy on the Rust film set in Santa Fe County, District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis remains committed to pursuing justice for the victims, and getting answers for the community,” DA spokesperson Heather Brewer said in a statement. “As soon as the District Attorney receives the full report from the Santa Fe County Sheriff, she and her team of professional attorneys and investigators will thoroughly review all the evidence and make a thoughtful decision about whether to bring charges against those involved. No one is above the law and every victim deserves justice.”
Days after the shooting, Baldwin said he was cooperating with law enforcement.
“There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours,” the statement said. “I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family.”
“My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna,” Baldwin added.