Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin thought the worst was over when charges against him for involuntary manslaughter of the killing of a cinematographer on a film set two years ago were dropped six months ago. But following the recent news that special prosecutors in New Mexico, where the fatality happened, are seeking to bring charges against the star, insiders say Alec’s life has been turned upside down once again and it’s affecting his home life and 11-year marriage to wife Hilaria.

“Alec Baldwin is in a terrible state over the likelihood of new manslaughter charges – which has plunged his marriage to high-maintenance Hilaria into seriously tricky territory.”

They added, “He is sick over this, he can’t sleep or eat, he’s constantly on the phone with lawyers, it’s a nightmare. He’s got all these kids that want his attention but with this sort of stress it’s very hard to be present for them – let alone relax and enjoy romantic time with Hilaria. He might be there physically, but his mind’s a million miles away. His nerves are shattered, so he’s very snappy which never goes over well with Hilaria. She’s always so supportive of him, but this is starting to break her down too and it’s taking a real toll – how could it not?”

In 2021, the 65-year-old was rehearsing for the Western film Rust on set at a ranch near Santa Fe in New Mexico when his prop gun discharged, fatally striking Ukrainian-born Halyna Hutchins, 42, and wounding director Joel Souza. The Emmy-award winning actor, who is also a co-producer of the film, said he pulled back the gun’s hammer – but not the trigger. His lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, said, “It is unfortunate that a terrible tragedy has been turned into this misguided prosecution. We will answer any charges in court.”

He had been due in court for a preliminary hearing on May 3, but the involuntary manslaughter charge against him was dropped in April, two weeks before a trial was set to begin. In an Instagram post after the announcement was made confirming the charge was dropped, the 30 Rock actor shared a photo of him with his head resting on 39-year-old Hilaria’s shoulder and thanked her and his lawyer in the caption. “I owe everything I have to this woman. (and to you, Luke),” he posted.
In another gushing post, he wrote, “These are tough times. The world is choked with fumes of hate. But you have given me a reason to live.”
However, three weeks ago, New Mexico special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis refiled the case, saying new facts have emerged and that they will present evidence to a grand jury within the next two months.

A statement released by them said that “over the last few days… new facts were revealed” in the case, requiring further investigation.
“This decision does not absolve Mr Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled. Our follow-up investigation will remain active and ongoing.”

Alec’s lawyers say the action is “misguided”. The insider revealed the news of the case reopening is a “huge blow” to both Alec and Hilaria – who share seven children together – and it’s taking a toll on their marriage.

“Alec and Hilaria can’t believe this case is still dragging on and there’s this new threat of charges hanging over him. It’s like a giant storm cloud that’s totally blighted their lives and weighed them down emotionally as well as physically for what seems like an eternity. As soon as he gets one break or settles something along comes another huge blow, like clockwork. He worries he’ll never catch a break and worries desperately that it could yet end with him being blamed for that terrible tragedy – something he maintains was absolutely not his fault and he shouldn’t be at the centre of this blame game just because the gun went off when it wasn’t meant to.”

The source adds that certain people are “out for his blood” and he is trying to remain calm and strong, but it is a struggle, for both him and Hilaria.

“The reality is that keeping calm and positive is easier said than done. He’s absolutely at his wit’s end, feeling very down on his luck and carrying some seriously dark and heavy energy around with him as a result. That’s very difficult for Hilaria, the kids, everyone associated with Alec.”

The couple got married in 2012, one year after meeting in a New York City restaurant. Alec used a cheesy pick-up line to break the ice. In an interview, yoga instructor Hilaria recalled, “I was standing near the door with my friends when he walked up and took my hand and said, ‘I must know you.’”

They went on to have three daughters, Carmen Gabriela, María Lucía Victoria, and Ilaria Catalina Irena, as well as four sons Rafael Thomas, Leonardo Ángel Charles, Romeo Alejandro David and Eduardo “Edu” Pao Lucas. Alec is also dad to daughter Ireland Baldwin, who he shares with ex-wife Kim Basinger. Ilaria is their youngest child and was born in September 2022. Before the baby’s arrival, Hilaria shared on Instagram that the baby was a “very bright spot” during “uncertain times”, referencing the ongoing charge against Alec at the time.

Sharing a video that showed Alec and Hilaria playing with their kids after she told them a baby was on the way, Hilaria wrote, “Our new baby is a very bright spot in our lives. A blessing and a gift during such uncertain times.” But now they have the refiling of the case hanging over them once again, their marriage is under strain.

“Alex is in a real slump and anxiety ridden doesn’t even start to describe it. Neither he nor Hilaria seem to be in the mood for date nights, certainly not like they used to, and when they do get that precious one on one time, all he seems to do is push his food around the plate, stare into space and generally have that vibe of a guy who feels totally sorry for himself,” the insider said. “He’s doing all he can to summon energy for the kids, taking care of house chores and telling Hilaria to hang in there. She’s always sworn she’ll stand by him no matter what and there’s no indication of her throwing in the towel or wanting to get away from him or anything like that. But this is the biggest test of their marriage so far, without a doubt, and neither of them are happy right now. It’s like the soul’s being slowly sucked out of them.”