The '30 Rock' actor has been defended by his former 'Will and Grace' co-star after he accidentally killed a cinematographer and injured a director on the movie set.
- October 23, 2021
AceShowbiz - Debra Messing has defended Alec Baldwin after he fatally shot and killed a cinematographer with a prop gun on the set of his movie "Rust".
The actress is a close friend of Alec, after working with him frequently on the set of U.S. TV show "Will & Grace", and took to Twitter to respond to conservative media personality Benny Johnson's tweet about the tragedy, which also saw director Joel Souza injured.
Johnson tweeted that a criminal investigation is underway following the shooting, sharing the headline, "BREAKING: Alec Baldwin kills person with gun, criminal investigation underway," and writing, "This is the accurate headline fyi."
Replying to the tweet, Debra insisted, "It is absolutely NOT. A prop gun was handed to him. He used it in the scene. Then- a catastrophic event happened where Halnya Hutchins lost her life and Joel Souza was injured. I am praying for all of their families."
Following the tragedy, Baldwin was seen sobbing and distraught while outside the Santa Fe's Sheriff's Office in New Mexico.
A Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department official said, "Mr. Baldwin was questioned by investigators and released. No arrests or charges have been filed."
Meanwhile, production on the movie was shut down following the horrific accident.
"The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today's tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna's family and loved ones," a spokesperson said. "We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department's investigation. We will be providing counselling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event."
