The co-hosts of ABC’s “The View” defended actor Alec Baldwin after an emotional interview where he opened up about the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie “Rust.”
The panel discussed Baldwin’s interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopolous. Co-host Sunny Hostin questioned who put a live round in the gun and noted that the actor was told it was a “cold gun.” Hostin stated that she believes it is “incredible” he decided to do the interview.
“Most lawyers will tell you when you’re facing multiple civil lawsuits that you should say nothing,” she said, adding, “I don’t think he’ll be found criminally responsible, but any lawsuit they’re going to play this video.”
Hostin continued, “I got to tell you, I saw empathy, I saw remorse, I saw, you know, sympathy, I saw depression. He said he would kill himself had he felt guilty about this. I thought it was a good thing for him to do actually, despite all the critics that are saying otherwise. And I do think that someone put [the bullet] in there, and it shouldn’t have been there.”
Co-host Ana Navarro pointed out that there is an ongoing criminal investigation into the incident.
She added that she felt “so bad for him” because she believed it was an accidental shooting. But then she said Hutchins’ family is the victim because they are “going to face their first holidays without their first mother and without their spouse.”
Meanwhile, guest and actress America Ferrera said, “I have handled guns, and it is so many people’s jobs to ensure the safety of every single person on that set. It is the AD’s job, it is every producer’s job… it’s the director’s job, it’s the gun handler’s job.”
“And of course, the actor plays a part in it. But, it is not Alec Baldwin’s job alone to be responsible for that moment, it is so many people’s jobs,” she added.
Watch the video below:
ALEC BALDWIN SAYS HE'S "NOT RESPONSIBLE” FOR 'RUST' SHOOTING: #TheView panel reacts to @GStephanopoulos's exclusive interview with Alec Baldwin, the actor's first sit-down in-depth interview since the fatal accident on the set of the movie 'Rust.' https://t.co/fXb96F8qT8 pic.twitter.com/JWvXwXKXu3
— The View (@TheView) December 3, 2021
Co-host Sara Haines chimed in, “People need to leave Alec Baldwin and his family alone.”
“They’re being chased around, and you can see, anyone can see from the first explanation on, that this was an accidental tragedy and there was a life lost, but to make that two lives by trolling another human to this level, he’s dealing with some mental issues…We have to let up on people,” she added.
Navarro pointed out that Baldwin has “six little tiny kids” and “it’s not their fault.”
During the interview with ABC News, Baldwin said he did not pull the trigger, adding, “I would never point a gun at anyone and pull a trigger at them.”
He became emotional and broke down while speaking about Hutchins, as IJR reported. However, Baldwin said he does not feel guilty about the shooting.
