This might be one of the worst timing debacles in the entertainment sector.
In June, just a month before facing trial for involuntary manslaughter charges related to the tragic death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, Alec Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria, announced a new family-focused reality series set to premiere on TLC in 2025. As the trial commences, industry experts are criticizing Baldwin’s decision to pursue the reality TV project, calling it a significant public relations misstep given his current legal situation.
Legal experts and PR professionals have been vocal about the timing of Baldwin’s foray into reality television. Defense attorney Timothy Parlatore expressed his concerns to Fox News Digital, labeling the move as a “terrible PR blunder.” He emphasized that Baldwin’s primary focus should be the trial, which is expected to conclude in less than two weeks. “This trial should be his sole focus,” Parlatore asserted, warning that distractions like this reality show could negatively impact Baldwin’s public image and the trial’s outcome.
Alec Baldwin trial evidence reveals the actor told his family to come to New Mexico to have a ‘good time’ just hours after the Rust crew member’s death
via https://t.co/8l2HDU38Hv https://t.co/IpbqgRrmtv— Rima Hasan (@RimaHasan12) July 12, 2024
The criticism intensified as Baldwin and his wife were seen engaging in leisurely activities around Santa Fe, including dining out and shopping, despite the gravity of the trial. Their appearances in public, particularly after jurors watched the harrowing police body camera footage of medics attempting to save Hutchins, were seen as insensitive. Hilaria Baldwin’s constant presence at the trial and the couple’s “self-absorbed” social media posts have been scrutinized for being tone-deaf.
Ebony Lewovitz, CEO of Eden Communications, highlighted the insensitivity displayed on the Baldwins’ social media accounts. “Their posts project them as ultimate victims, showing obliviousness to the ongoing trial’s gravity,” Lewovitz noted. This perception of self-promotion has drawn ire from various quarters, including Gloria Allred, the attorney representing Hutchins’ family. Allred criticized Baldwin’s actions, describing them as a “cynical, calculated public relations move” intended to garner sympathy from the jury.
Alec Baldwin is on trial for manslaughter in the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins. He had a dramatic moment in court and walked out during the trial, leaving his attorney stunned. Despite the trial, he’s shooting a reality show while family appears for… https://t.co/rFhMcyOkem
— The America One News (@am1_news) July 12, 2024
Public relations expert Juda Engelmayer also condemned Baldwin’s decision to announce the reality show amidst the trial. “Given the weight of what he’s facing, he should project a more respectful and somber demeanor,” Engelmayer remarked. He suggested that Baldwin’s carefree public appearances and reality show plans could further damage his reputation, painting him as indifferent and hot-tempered.
Despite these criticisms, Baldwin’s attorney maintains that the actor was assured the gun was safe before the fatal incident occurred. However, prosecutors argue that under New Mexico law, Baldwin was responsible for checking the weapon’s safety. If found guilty of acting negligently, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in jail.
Alec Baldwin told family to visit for ‘good time’ just hours after Rust shootinghttps://t.co/YDVTsACqC4 pic.twitter.com/7ktqRCs4Je
— MirrorUSNews (@MirrorUSNews) July 12, 2024
The future of “The Baldwins” reality show remains uncertain but intriguing. Sources close to the production revealed to the New York Post that the trial has already been integrated into the show’s storyline. “The Baldwins signed the deal while Alec was already dealing with his legal issues,” a TLC insider disclosed. “Everyone was aware at the time, as they are now, that the trial might feature in the plot. The 2025 debut of the show is still scheduled.”
Key Points:
i. Alec Baldwin faces criticism for launching a reality show amid his manslaughter trial.
ii. Legal experts and PR professionals deem the timing a significant PR blunder.
iii. Baldwin’s public appearances and social media posts are viewed as insensitive during the trial.
iv. Prosecutors argue Baldwin’s responsibility in the fatal incident, potentially leading to an 18-month jail sentence.
v. “The Baldwins” reality show is set to include the trial in its storyline, with a planned premiere in 2025.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
