Hilaria Baldwin Says She Doesn’t Want Her Children to ‘Bear the Burden’ ofRustShooting Case: ‘It's Extraordinarily Difficult'

Mar. 15, 2025

Alec Baldwinand his wifeHilaria Baldwinare opening up about the impact of theRustshootingcase on their family.

On the premiere episode of TLC’sThe Baldwins,the yoga instructor, 41, described the toll theSaturday Night Livestar’s, 66, then-upcoming trialwas taking on her family. The mom of seven hoped that her children don’t have to “bear the burden” of having to carry them emotionally through the tough situation.

“We’re blessed to have them, and they give us joy. And at the same time, we want to make sure that they’re always our children, and that they can be children, and that they don’t bear the burden of having to carry us,” she said. “When something bad happens, there is a fire, and your job is to try not to let the fire spread. But I wanted to put as much as I could a fireproof barrier around my kids.”

“It’s extraordinarily difficult when you feel so horrible inside and so scared and confused because you have this constant nausea here, the panic, the inability to sleep,” she continued. “This trial is happening, and Alec could go to prison.”

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Alec Baldwin, Hilaria Baldwin and their children.Rou Shoots/Warner Bros. Discovery

Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin with their children in The Baldwins

Rou Shoots/Warner Bros. Discovery

In a confessional, Hilaria reflected on the incident and how it will impact their lives forever,

“Life will forever be different. Halyna [Hutchens] lost her life in the most unthinkable tragedy, a son lost his mom,” Hilaria said. “We are going to feel and carry this pain forever. This will be a part of our family story.”

Hilaria Baldwin.Mike Coppola/Getty

Hilaria Baldwin attends the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala at New York Hilton on December 06, 2022 in New York City

Mike Coppola/Getty

“I look at the kids, and I see how hard we’re trying to create happy for them, even if we’re masking stuff for ourselves,” she added. “I know that what we’re going through is maybe unique, but every family goes through hard times, and that’s something that we can feel a community of support, knowing that the best that we can do is do our best and try to make our kids happy, and so that’s what we’re doing.”

Alec was tried in New Mexico for involuntary manslaughter following the deadly accidental shooting on the set of the western movieRustin 2021.  The actor, who faced up to 18 months in prison, was holding a prop gun when it discharged, killingcinematographer Halyna Hutchinsandinjuring writer-director Joel Souza(who recovered from his injuries).

Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria.John Nacion/Variety via Gett

Alec Baldwin, Hilaria Baldwin at SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall on February 14, 2025 in New York, New York

John Nacion/Variety via Gett

Hilaria and theIt’s Complicatedactor share seven children together. The couple, whotied the knotin 2012, shares three daughters,Carmen Gabriela, 11,María Lucía Victoria, 3, andIlaria Catalina Irena, 2, as well as four sonsRafael Thomas, 9,Leonardo Ángel Charles, 8,Romeo Alejandro David, 6, andEduardo “Edu” Pao Lucas, 4. Alec is also dad to daughterIreland Baldwin, 29, whom he shares with ex-wifeKim Basinger.

In January 2018, Alecspoke with PEOPLEabout his biggest challenge as a father.

“Being a father can be very challenging because kids are obsessed with their mothers,” the actor told PEOPLE. “I’m in a roomwith my kids andI’m doing really well until my wife walks in! They just dump me.”

“That’s just how it is — there’s nothing I can do about it!” continued the star, praising wife. “My advice for new dads: If yourwife is a great mommy, appreciate that and enjoy that. That’s a great thing to have.”

The Baldwinspremieres Sunday, February 23 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC, with new episodes airing weekly. Episodes are available to stream on Max.

source: people.com