Rust’s star and producer Alec Baldwin has reached a settlement with the estate of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed on the set of the western in New Mexico in 2021 when she was shot with a prop gun the US actor was using.
The parties reached an undisclosed settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit filed in February against the actor and other defendants, a statement released by Baldwin’s attorney said.
The suit alleged industry safety violations.
“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,” said Matthew Hutchins this morning.
“The filming of Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume with all the original principal players on board in January 2023,” added Hutchins.
“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin),” he added, “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.”
Meanwhile, Baldwin is among up to four people who still may face criminal charges later this month for the fatal shooting of Hutchins, a New Mexico prosecutor said in late September.
The final police report on the shooting near Santa Fe is expected this month, at which time prosecutors will file criminal charges if warranted, district attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies told the state’s finance board.
Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel, added: “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.”
