Alec Baldwin’s interview on ABC news is being labelled as ‘distasteful’
Alec Baldwin says he assumed the gun he was holding was empty of live bullets before it went off and killed a cinematographer during a rehearsal on the set of the movie Rust.
In an emotional television interview with ABC News America, which aired on Thursday night, the actor also said he did not see any safety issues on the set before the incident where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed.
“We both assumed the gun was empty, other than those, you know, dummy rounds,” Mr Baldwin told the US ABC’s George Stephanopoulos.
The actor had been handed the gun by a crew member and told it was safe.
He said he did not pull the trigger.
Police investigating if recycled ammo was used in Rust shooting / Image: File
What prompted Alec Baldwin to have this conversation with George Stephanopoulos?
The police investigation is still ongoing and Rubin says there’s no indication either pro or con as to if criminal charges will be filed.
“It just seems extraordinarily premature to do something like this”
Rubin said
“Alec Baldwin seems very emotional, very raw about the whole thing. But some people here are finding this whole thing somewhat distasteful.”
Rubin said It’s really not about him, but rather about of course, the cinematographer 42 year old Halyna Hutchins who died.
Is it fair that a network actually profit off a murder here when it’s still an open investigation?
Rubin says there is an obvious promotional nature of the interview with “the music that’s been added in the editing, the lighting, the whole thing does to me reek of exploitation.”
He said people have openly questioned if Alec Baldwin should be doing this.
“Most journalists around the world would not turn down the opportunity to have a conversation like this. It is a hour long special with commercial interruptions, the network certainly will profit from it,” he said.
“They’re already talking about the streaming service they’re promoting that will require the special. So yeah, the motivations are not entirely pure.”
Alec Baldwin says he “didn’t pull the trigger” of the gun that fatally wounded Halyna Hutchins – so how did it all unfold?
"That sounds like a possible scenario"
Alec Baldwin says he "didn't pull the trigger" of the gun that fatally wounded Halyna Hutchins… so how did it all unfold?
Are those appropriate things for him to discuss in this atmosphere at this time?
"Are those appropriate things for him to discuss?"
Entertainment reporter @SamOnTV on the questions Alec Baldwin will be asked by George Stephanopoulos in his first interview since fatal shooting on set of "Rust" #AlecBaldwinpic.twitter.com/QfKEQgGxYa
“What I do know is I bet the person who sort of brokered this interview, George Stephanopoulos, his wife is an actress and comedian named Ellie Wentworth. And I know she is friendly with Alec Baldwin,” Rubin said.
“And she isn’t the family. So I don’t know that she necessarily put this together. But it’s entirely possible. They all knew each other socially before this interview.”
Will the interview influence the public here?
“Are you trying to sort of influence a jury before juries even selected that that could be? very legitimate question,” he said.
“New Mexico is a relatively small, small area, but both the sheriff there and the district attorney there, you can just tell sometimes I think you get a sense of these things. They like being on TV, they like all this attention. And so I don’t know if that will influence anything,” Rubin continued.
“I’m not trying to suggest any kind of ethical breach, but you can tell that the bright lights, the cameras, they’re not shying away from them.”
The investigation needs to be completed and then new determination needs to be made have a degree of responsibility and is there criminal responsibility charges be filed that remains a mystery.
Optalert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.
In Short
Australian company Optalert has launched a free iPhone app, Owl Eye, that detects sleep issues by analysing users’ blink patterns and screening for obstructive sleep apnea with 96.6% accuracy. The app is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for wider release.
Australian company Optalert has introduced a free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues.
The app differs from traditional sleep trackers by assessing users while awake, requiring only ten minutes to complete.
It focuses primarily on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is backed by data from leading Australian sleep laboratories.
An AI-based algorithm, developed from this data, classifies individuals with a remarkable 96.6% accuracy regarding OSA.
Optalert is currently pursuing regulatory certification to operate as a medical device across various regions, including the US, Europe, and China.
The app functions by analysing users’ blink patterns during a concentration task facilitated by the iPhone’s camera, disregarding video content to ensure privacy.
This technology helps identify impairment due to insufficient oxygen during sleep.
Those receiving a positive result can seek further diagnosis and treatment for their sleep issues.
The app, named Owl Eye, is currently available on the Apple App Store in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand its reach shortly.
Paul Zubrinich, Chief Marketing Officer of Optalert provides his involvement with the app and shares insights on the technology behind Owl Eye.
In the broader context of sleep technology, the trend indicates increasing accessibility to personal health data previously confined to clinical settings, promising advancements in sleep health.
Elon Musk defends DOGE cuts with Trump, claims Americans will receive what they voted for in Oval Office appearance.
In Short
Elon Musk supported the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during a meeting with President Trump, who signed an order to cut the federal workforce. Musk addressed concerns about DOGE’s transparency and potential conflicts of interest, asserting the agency acts transparently, despite calls for more information.
Elon Musk appeared with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on February 11, 2025, to support the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk defended DOGE’s proposed cuts, claiming they were reasonable and aimed at improving government efficiency.
Trump signed an executive order to enforce significant reductions in the federal workforce, allowing DOGE to oversee the hiring processes for agencies.
The order mandates a hiring ratio of one new employee for every four who depart, with exemptions for positions related to public safety and law enforcement.
Musk emphasized that Americans would receive what they voted for regarding DOGE’s changes, questioning the implications of bureaucratic control over democracy.
Trump expressed frustration with federal judges attempting to block DOGE’s initiatives.
Musk had previously suggested that a judge should be impeached after a ruling limited DOGE’s access to Treasury files.
Musk faced inquiries about DOGE’s transparency and potential conflicts of interest with his companies receiving federal contracts.
He asserted that DOGE operates transparently and shares updates on its official X account and government site.
However, as of the latest check, DOGE.gov had not provided new information.
A DOGE spokesperson stated that the agency is under the Presidential Records Act, potentially keeping their activities confidential for years.
Trump and Putin agree to talks aimed at ending Ukraine war, signalling potential improvement in US-Russia relations.
In Short
Trump and Putin agreed to start talks to end the Ukraine war, following a phone call that raised hopes for improved relations. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Hegseth indicated a shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine’s territorial claims and its NATO membership.
The two leaders communicated by phone on Wednesday. Trump expressed optimism about the potential results of this engagement, describing it as a necessary step towards peace.
This phone call followed a recent prisoner exchange, which Trump suggested might signal improving U.S.-Russia relations.
In his remarks on Truth Social, Trump highlighted the urgent need to address the ongoing deaths resulting from the conflict. He noted Putin’s reference to his campaign motto, “COMMON SENSE.”
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statements indicated a shift in U.S. policy, dismissing Ukraine’s restoration to pre-2014 borders as unrealistic and stating that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not a viable goal.
Hegseth, during his first European visit as Pentagon chief, emphasised that security guarantees for Ukraine would require contributions from both European and non-European troops, requiring a collaborative international effort.
While Ukraine expresses a desire to reclaim its territory, Hegseth acknowledged the difficulty it might face in obtaining areas currently occupied by Russia.
He did not clarify the level of military support the U.S. would provide moving forward, nor did he suggest an imminent increase in arms supplies.
Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that they have a significant chance to end the war, with strong support from allies anticipated at the upcoming Munich Security Conference.