Alec Baldwin: A district court judge in New Mexico has given the green light to a settlement agreement in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer who tragically lost her life on the set of the movie “Rust” in 2021.
Alec Baldwin Rust Lawsuit
The lawsuit named Alec Baldwin, who stars in the film and serves as a producer, along with the production companies, producers, and crew members as defendants, alleging violations of industry standards.
The Lawsuit And Settlement
The family of Halyna Hutchins filed the lawsuit in February 2022, seeking justice for her untimely demise. The suit claimed that Baldwin and others involved in the production of “Rust” were responsible for ensuring the safety of the set but failed to take necessary precautions,
Resulting in the fatal shooting. In October 2022, Halyna’s husband, Matthew Hutchins, announced that the parties had reached a settlement, subject to court approval.
The Santa Fe judge formally approved the settlement agreement on Thursday. While financial details remain undisclosed, the court order mentioned the establishment of structured annuities that will provide payments to Halyna’s minor child once they reach the ages of 18 and 22.
Resuming Filming And Future Implications
As part of the settlement agreement, the production of “Rust” was allowed to proceed, with Matthew Hutchins serving as an executive producer, according to a statement he made in October. The filming resumed in Montana in April after being temporarily halted following the tragic incident.
However, the approval of the settlement does not absolve Alec Baldwin from potential future charges related to the shooting. Although the case was closed in the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico, there is still a possibility that Baldwin may face charges in the future.
The Shooting Incident And Legal Proceedings
According to Fox News, The shooting on the set of “Rust” occurred in late October 2021 when Alec Baldwin, holding an antique six-shooter for a scene, unintentionally discharged a live round instead of a dummy round.
The bullet struck Halyna Hutchins, fatally injuring her, and also injured director Joel Souza. Initially, Baldwin claimed that he did not pull the trigger, but an FBI report contradicted his statement, stating that the revolver could not have been fired without someone pulling the trigger.
In January 2022, both Alec Baldwin and the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, were charged with involuntary manslaughter by New Mexico prosecutors. However, in April 2022, the charges against Baldwin were dismissed, citing “new facts” in the case. Gutierrez Reed’s attorney has also stated that she will plead not guilty, maintaining her innocence.
