Alec Baldwin alleges “abuse of power” ahead of trial
Months ahead of his impending trial for involuntary manslaughter, Alec Baldwin has come forward alleging an abuse of power regarding an additional misdemeanour charge in the case.
In his lawyers’ latest legal statement, they claim the actor has had a wrongful accusation lobbied against him concerning a documentary being made surrounding the death of Halyna Hutchins. The late cinematographer was killed on the set of the film Rust after a prop firearm went off in Baldwin’s hand during a rehearsal.
Prosecutor Karl Morrissey initially claimed that Baldwin’s plea deal of a misdemeanour should be re-examined after hearing of his involvement in a documentary surrounding the death of the late cinematographer.
In a statement, Baldwin’s lawyers claimed that the actor had no part in the documentary, stating, “Morrissey’s stated reasons for pursuing an indictment are completely divorced from the public interest and reflect a stunning abuse of prosecutorial power. He has no title or credit in either documentary. He’s not a producer and has no control, of any kind, over either documentary. In both documentaries, Baldwin is only a subject, along with other members of the cast and crew.”
The defence also alleged that the documentary accusation began with a rumour made by The Daily Mail, which allegedly argued that Baldwin had commissioned the documentary himself. While Baldwin had no hand in producing the documentary, Morrissey would also say that she withdrew the misdemeanour plea deal due to news that the actor planned on doing a major press tour if the charges were dropped against him.
This latest development comes after weapons specialist Hannah Gutierrez was convicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter for her negligence in following guidelines during the production. She has been sentenced to spend 18 months in prison.
While there is no word on whether the court will dismiss Baldwin’s indictment, the trial starts in July of 2024, with Baldwin being instructed not to leave the country or carry a firearm in the meantime. If convicted, Baldwin will be sentenced to eight months in prison for involuntary manslaughter.
This is a developing story.
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