Alec Baldwin has struck a settlement with the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was murdered on set when he discharged a pretend gun. Hutchins was shot and killed by Baldwin while working on a project.
Rust will resume production in January, with Ms. Hutchins’ widower Matthew serving as the film’s executive producer.
According to her husband, all parties feel that Ms. Hutchins’ death was an accident.
A lawsuit filed against Mr. Baldwin, producers, and others asserted that industry standards had been violated.
The settlement details, which are subject to court approval, have not been released.
Mr. Hutchins stated in a statement that when production resumes, “all the original major players” will be participating as a means to “honor” his late wife’s final effort.
He continued, “I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or assigning blame.”
Everyone agrees that Halyna’s death was a tragic accident.
‘Painful scenario’
Mr. Baldwin’s reaction was released on Instagram in the form of a statement: “We are glad to announce the settlement of the civil case filed on behalf of the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
“Throughout this challenging process, everyone has maintained a singular focus on doing what is best for Halyna’s son.
“We appreciate everyone who helped resolve this unfortunate and painful circumstance.”
Rust director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the attack on the Bonanza Creek Ranch set outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, said in a statement on Wednesday that he would now focus on “honoring Halyna’s memory and making her proud.”
“Although bittersweet, I am delighted that we will now finish what Halyna and I began together,” he stated.
In October of last year, Baldwin was practicing drawing a pretend gun when the incident occurred.
Authorities punished and harshly criticized the film’s creators for failing to adhere to safety rules.
According to the New Mexico Environment Department, the producers of Rust exhibited “blatant indifference to known risks linked with handgun use on set.”
The agency issued Rust Movie Productions the maximum $136,793 (£105,000) penalties.
The film’s creators later contested the official report, claiming that the business had “followed all applicable safety standards.
Additionally, police released footage from the scene, which included the aftermath of the fatal shooting.
Nearly a year after the incident, the criminal investigation has not yet been completed.
Heather Brewer, a spokesperson for the Office of the First Judicial District Attorney for New Mexico, issued the following statement: “The proposed settlement announced today in Matthew Hutchins’ wrongful death case against Rust movie producers, including Alec Baldwin, in the death of Halyna Hutchins will have no bearing on District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis’ ongoing investigation or her ultimate decision regarding whether to file criminal charges in the case.
“While civil disputes are decided privately and frequently entail monetary awards, criminal cases are limited to the presentation of facts. If the circumstances and evidence under New Mexico law warrant criminal charges, then charges will be filed. No one is superior to the law.”
