Baldwin and Wife Stage Courthouse Theatrics for Jury Selection in 'Rust' Trial

Alec Baldwin's wife, Hilaria, made a dramatic appearance at the courthouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with their baby in tow, as jury selection began in the actor's involuntary manslaughter trial. Legal experts believe the move was an attempt to humanize the embattled actor in the eyes of the public and potential jurors.

On the morning of July 9th, 2024, actor Alec Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, arrived at a courthouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico, amidst a swarm of media. The couple was present for the commencement of jury selection in Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial, stemming from the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust" in 2021.

Baldwin and Wife Stage Courthouse Theatrics for Jury Selection in 'Rust' Trial

Hilaria Baldwin emerged from a black SUV with the couple's infant child, attracting the attention of cameras before handing the baby off to a caretaker. Legal observers speculate that this display was a calculated effort to generate sympathy and humanize Alec Baldwin.

"The bringing of the child is unusual because it's not really a great place for a child," said divorce attorney Christopher C. Melcher. "And you've got to think, if they have care with a nanny, why bring the child other than for show?"

Baldwin and Wife Stage Courthouse Theatrics for Jury Selection in 'Rust' Trial

Hilaria Baldwin's presence, along with the baby, was intended to create a positive image of Baldwin and potentially influence potential jurors. "As a defense attorney, you always want to humanize someone that’s on trial, to show that they’re more than this incident that’s under a microscope," said New Mexico-based attorney Elizabeth Bunker.

However, some legal experts caution that the display could have negative ramifications. "If there’s any sense of desperation, my experience is that, naturally, jurors will reject anything inauthentic and too performance-like," Bunker said.

Baldwin and Wife Stage Courthouse Theatrics for Jury Selection in 'Rust' Trial

Baldwin has a history of outbursts and confrontations with the public, which could hinder his defense. "Having family support can show the jury that a lot of people care about the outcome of this case and can subtly encourage them to really dig deep and pay attention to the facts," said Bunker.

Another concern is the potential backlash from Santa Fe residents, who may hold negative views towards celebrities. "The risk is it could backfire if people think you have a nanny 24 hours a day," said New York-based lawyer Mark Bederow. "Why would you have the baby come out of the SUV just to hand the baby off as though it’s a prop?"

Baldwin and Wife Stage Courthouse Theatrics for Jury Selection in 'Rust' Trial

Despite the potential drawbacks, Baldwin was faced with a difficult decision. "With the stakes being so high, you would expect that you would have supporters there, close family would be there," said Melcher. "I think the absence of her would have hurt."

Baldwin's brother, Stephen Baldwin, was also present in court, seated with Hilaria Baldwin in the courtroom. Jury selection commenced after a two-hour delay and resulted in the selection of a jury of 16, including four alternates. Eleven of the chosen jurors are women, and five are men.

Baldwin and Wife Stage Courthouse Theatrics for Jury Selection in 'Rust' Trial

Baldwin accidentally discharged a gun on the set of "Rust" in October 2021, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. He faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty, claiming that he cocked the gun's hammer but never pulled the trigger. Prosecutors argue that the pistol could not have discharged without Baldwin's action.