Alec Baldwin reaches settlement with Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer killed on the set of ‘Rust’
While filming in New Mexico last year she was fatally shot after a live bullet was discharged from a gun held by the Hollywood star.
Actor and director Alec Baldwin has reached an agreement with the family of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer killed on the set of the movie ‘Rust’ last year. Baldwin accidentally killed Hutchins when a live round was discharged from a gun that he was holding.
Baldwin has maintained that he did not pull the trigger, although he confirmed that he was holding it at the time.
In February the victim’s family filed a lawsuit alleging that Baldwin and others involved in the film were guilty of reckless behaviour and cost-cutting measures.
Matthew Hutchins, Halyna’s widow, released a statement confirming: “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. The filming of Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume with all the original principal players on board in January 2023.”
Hutchins continued by saying that he did not wish to blame anyone involved in the tragic accident and thanked those who were now working hard to complete his wife’s last artistic work.
He said: “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.”
How much will Alec Baldwin pay to the victim’s family as part of the agreement?
Despite the high-profile nature of the tragic accident and the parties involved, details of the settlement itself have been kept under wraps. It is highly likely that some financial compensation was included in the agreement but the terms have not been released.
Luke Nikas, Baldwin’s attorney, said in a statement: “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.”
Director Joel Souza had previously stated that the production would only continue once an agreement had been made with Hutchins’ family and if it could be done with their involvement.
In announcing the settlement, Souza said: “Though certainly bittersweet, I am pleased that together, we will now complete what Halyna and I started. My every effort on this film will be devoted to honouring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.”
Hutchins’ widower Matthew will executive produce ‘Rust’ when it returns to production in January 2023 with the same cast.