Alec Baldwin and the production company behind the film “Rust” have reached a settlement with the family of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer killed on the set of the film last October, lawyers for both parties announced on Wednesday.
Baldwin was pointing a gun at Hutchins when it exploded Oct. 21, killing her and injuring director Joel Souza. They had been inside a small church during setup to film a scene.
Baldwin said the gun accidentally detonated and he didn’t pull the trigger. But an FBI forensic report in August found the gun could not have fired unless someone pulled the trigger.
Hutchins’ family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in February against Baldwin and others in the film, accusing them of reckless behavior and measured cost-cutting that led to the tragedy.
“Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained a specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son,” Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas said in a statement. “We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”
The Los Angeles press conference came nearly four months after the cinematographer was shot on the set of “Rust” in New Mexico.
Hutchins’ husband, Matthew Hutchins, said in a joint statement announcing the settlement that the wrongful death case was dismissed and called his wife’s death a “terrible accident.”
“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or blaming (the producers or Mr. Baldwin),” Matthew said in his statement. “We all believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s latest work.”
He added that production on the Western will continue in January 2023, “with all the original major cast members on board” and himself as executive producer.
Financial terms of the settlement have not been released.
Baldwin, who was also a producer on the movie “Rust,” previously said the gun shouldn’t have been loaded for rehearsal.
Among the ammunition seized at the shooting site were live ammunition found on a cart and in the case that was in the building where the shooting occurred. Blank and dummy cartridges were also found.
The New Mexico Office of Occupational Health and Safety, in a scathing report released in April, detailed a story of safety failures in violation of standard industry protocols, including testimony that managers production took limited or no action to remedy two misfires on set before the fatal shoot.
Gunsmith “Rust” Hannah Gutierrez-Reed speaks out for the first time, a week after the accidental death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The office also documented gun safety complaints from crew members that went unheeded and said weapons specialists were not authorized to make decisions about additional safety training.
In concluding that the shooting was an accident, the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator noted “no obvious intent to cause injury or death” and said there was “no no convincing demonstration” that the revolver had been intentionally loaded with live ammunition. on the tray.
