Stands Up for Alec Baldwin Amid Tragic Legal Battle*

In a shocking and emotional turn of events, *The Young and the Restless*

icon Eric Braeden has come forward to defend fellow actor

Alec Baldwin as he faces trial for involuntary manslaughter. Baldwin’s legal battle stems from the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the western film *Rust*. The charges have ignited a wave of controversy, with many in the entertainment industry expressing their opinions, but Braeden’s passionate defense of Baldwin stands out.

As the trial looms, Braeden took to social media to voice his outrage, stating that it’s unbelievable that Baldwin is being held responsible for such a tragic incident. “I’ve been an actor since 1962,” Braeden begins, “and I’ve been on countless sets where guns were used. I’ve played the bad guy in numerous roles, and I can say with certainty that actors are not responsible for whether a gun is loaded or not. It’s the prop person’s job to ensure that.”

Braeden, who portrays Victor Newman on *The Young and the Restless*, speaks from decades of experience, emphasizing that in his 60-year career, it has always been the prop department’s duty to show the actor that a gun is unloaded. He recalls how an assistant director would often be present to confirm this. For him, it is unimaginable that Baldwin, who is not known for starring in action-heavy films, would be held accountable for something so far out of his control.

The Emmy-winning actor doesn’t mince words when it comes to where he believes the responsibility should lie. “To hold Baldwin responsible is simply unrealistic and totally unfair,” Braeden asserts. “As actors, we don’t think about whether a gun is loaded; we trust the professionals on set to handle that. Baldwin was assured the gun was safe. Why would he question that? It’s absurd to suggest otherwise.”

Braeden’s defense is not just rooted in his experience but also in his understanding of how the industry operates. He points out that even though Baldwin may not be well-versed in action scenes, he, like any other actor, would rely on the prop team and assistant director to ensure safety on set. Braeden stresses that it’s the job of these professionals to double-check the safety of the weapons used in scenes, not the actors.

In a heartfelt conclusion, Braeden acknowledges that while he may not know Baldwin personally, he has observed his career from a distance. Baldwin, who made his start in daytime television before moving on to prime time, has built a reputation as a talented and dedicated actor. For Braeden, this tragedy should not tarnish Baldwin’s career or reputation. The fault, he insists, lies with those responsible for the props on set, not with Baldwin himself.

Eric Braeden’s passionate defense of Alec Baldwin highlights the complexities and challenges actors face in the industry, especially when it comes to handling props on set. His words serve as a reminder that in the world of film and television, safety should always be the top priority, and the responsibility for that safety should rest on the shoulders of those trained to ensure it. This tragic incident has shaken the industry, but Braeden’s support for Baldwin is a testament to the solidarity and understanding among actors who have navigated the perils of their craft for decades.