Director Souza no longer friends with Alec Baldwin
- Joel Souza, the director, publicly spoke out for the first time since being injured on set.
- The incident involved a bullet that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.
- Souza no longer considers Alec Baldwin as a friend after the shooting incident.
In a revealing interview, film director Joel Souza has expressed his feelings towards actor Alec Baldwin, stating that Baldwin is no longer a friend following the tragic shooting incident on the set of the film "Rust." This marks Souza's first public comments since the 2021 incident, which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and left him injured. Souza described the emotional toll the event has taken on him, including nightly nightmares that he claims have “ruined him.” The incident occurred during the filming of "Rust" in New Mexico, where a bullet fired by Baldwin struck both Hutchins and Souza. While Hutchins tragically lost her life, Souza sustained injuries from the same bullet. His recent interview sheds light on the profound impact the shooting has had on his mental health and personal life, emphasizing the long-lasting effects of such a traumatic event. Souza has previously cooperated with criminal investigations related to the incident and provided testimony during the trial of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film's armourer. Gutierrez-Reed was ultimately sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter, a verdict that underscores the serious nature of the incident and its repercussions within the film industry. As Souza continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, his comments highlight the ongoing emotional struggles faced by those involved in the tragedy, raising questions about safety protocols and accountability in filmmaking.