Baldwins Share Emotional Struggles After ‘Rust’ Trial Dismissal

SANTA FE, New Mexico — In the latest episode of TLC’s reality series “The Baldwins,” Alec and Hilaria Baldwin reveal the emotional toll stemming from Alec’s recent legal battles related to the 2021 “Rust” shooting. This episode aired on March 9, 2024, shortly after the court dismissed charges against Alec.

During the episode, Hilaria, 41, disclosed that she left letters for their seven children before traveling to New Mexico to support Alec, 66, during the trial. “I wrote [the kids] all little letters… and I hid them. I told my friend where they were if something happened to us,” she said, reflecting her anxiety surrounding the situation.

The tragic incident occurred when Alec discharged a prop gun on the set of “Rust,” resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Alec, who has claimed he did not pull the trigger, faced involuntary manslaughter charges that were later dismissed amid revelations that prosecutors withheld evidence.

Despite the charges being dropped, the show’s onscreen text notes, “Alec still faces potential appeals as well as civil cases. He is prohibited from speaking about the case.” Hilaria emphasized the ongoing repercussions, stating, “There was an awful thing that happened. The hardest thing about this is that a woman lost her life. Halyna didn’t get to go home. And that’s what makes everything so painful.”

Alec, reflecting on the impact of the trial, stated, “It changes you” as he struggles with focus and memory issues due to the trauma incurred over the years. He indicated a potential move outside of New York to escape the pressures of public life.

“I had an emotional, mental, neurological inability to focus and to concentrate. And that’s not me. I have a photographic memory,” he shared. As the episode unfolds, viewers witness the couple attending therapy to address their struggles together.

The couple’s seven children, ages 11 to 2, have also been affected by the legal turmoil. Hilaria recalled Carmen, the eldest, expressing concern about Alec’s court appearances. “Carmen asked me last night, ‘When daddy goes to New Mexico, do I say goodbye to him? Do I say goodbye to him in a special way?’” Hilaria admitted, highlighting her child’s emotional burden.

Alec has previously discussed the personal ramifications of the incident, mentioning health issues he has faced since. “The past three years have been a significant chunk of my children’s lives,” Hilaria noted, while also addressing how their family dynamic has changed. “Our older ones were much younger, but have had the awareness because of their age to understand what’s going on. The youngest three don’t know a life without this.”

The Baldwins offers an intimate portrayal of the couple’s life as they navigate the aftermath of a tragedy that has overshadowed their family for years. The series airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.