Rick Leventhal Responds To Backlash Received After Wearing Alec Baldwin 'Rust' Outfit

A live round unknowingly fired by US actor Alec Baldwin on the set of "Rust" fatally wounded cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

Reporter Rick Leventhal, who received a major backlash for dressing up as actor Alec Baldwin from his upcoming movie "Rust" and posting on Instagram for Halloween celebration, noted that netizens "twisted" his outfit, PageSix reported Tuesday.

"People twisted our outfits and intent in ways neither of us could’ve imagined and filled our page with hate," the 61-year-old former Fox News correspondent told the outlet.

Leventhal further explained why he deleted the post and spoke about the cancel culture.

"We took the post down out of respect for the victims’ families and only hope the cancel culture won’t cancel Halloween next," he added.

Before deleting the photos from his Instagram account, the reporter told PageSix on Monday, "In no way was I trying to offend anyone, except Alec Baldwin. He’s a jerk and deserves all the heat he’s getting."

Leventhal explained that he planned his costumes weeks ahead but following the incident, he decided to dress up as Baldwin at the last minute. He also added that people are "too sensitive" these days.

Moreover, he explained to the outlet that he does "embrace" the Native American heritage and believes that the "fashion is beautiful, and this was a tribute and celebration."

While the reporter deleted those photos from his Instagram, his wife, Kelly Dodd still got the highlights of the Halloween party on her Instagram account.

"2021 Halloween party highlights!" Dodd wrote in the caption. "For you haters, I embrace my Native American heritage. I think the fashion is beautiful & this was a tribute & celebration."

Baldwin discharged a prop gun that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust" on Oct. 21. The 63-year-old actor broke his silence on Oct. 22 and wrote on Twitter that he is in touch with Hutchins' husband following the incident.

However, after almost two weeks since the incident took place, the actor made his Twitter account private.

Hutchins' father, Anatoly Androsovych clarified on Oct. 24 that he doesn't hold Baldwin responsible for the death of his daughter, noting that it was the responsibility of those who were handling the guns at that time.