‘Rust’ resumes filming: Alec Baldwin reaches settlement with family of victim in wrongful death case

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin has settled the wrongful death lawsuit lodged against him by the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Hutchins was killed on the set of Baldwin’s new film Rust, where she was shot in the chest by a prop gun allegedly fired by Baldwin who believed the gun to be “cold”, during a rehearsal scene.

In a statement to Deadline, Hutchins’ husband Matthew said filming can now continue and that he has been brought on as executive producer to honour “Halyna’s final work”.

“We have reached a settlement, subject to court approval, for our wrongful death case against the producers of Rust, including Alec Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions, LLC. As part of that settlement, our case will be dismissed,” he said.

“The filming of Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume with all the original principal players on board in January 2023.

“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin).

“All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”

 

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A post shared by Matthew Hutchins (@mhutchins777)

Baldwin announced the settlement on Instagram, saying he was happy with the outcome.

 

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A post shared by Alec Baldwin (@alecbaldwininsta)

“We are pleased to announce today the settlement of the civil case filed on behalf of the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins,” Baldwin said.

“Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son.

“We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”

The lawsuit was filed against Baldwin in February 2022, with Hutchins’ family claiming the reckless actions of Baldwin, and others involved in the production of Rust led to her death.

The lawsuit cited text messages and emails sent by camera assistant, Lane Luper, who raised red flags about accidental discharges on set and claimed the production was allegedly “riddled with breaches of safety protocols.”

It was alleged that Baldwin, along with other producers, had “cut corners” through the production and “chose to hire the cheapest crew available”. Allegations have also came to light that the production team “knowingly hired a wholly unqualified armourer” who was dividing her attention and time between her role as on-set armorer and her second role as the assistant props master.

Baldwin has maintained that he did not fire the gun, and since the fatal incident, has pulled back from the public eye.