SANTA FE, N.M. — A civil lawsuit concerning the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the film “Rust” has been settled, as indicated by court documents made public on Friday. The suit had been filed by three crew members seeking damages for emotional distress, naming producers of “Rust,” including co-producer and lead actor Alec Baldwin.
The crew alleged in their lawsuit that the producers failed to adhere to essential safety protocols, a claim that the producers have refuted. However, details regarding the terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, and attorneys for both parties were unavailable for comment.
Among the plaintiffs was Ross Addiego, a crew member who witnessed the shooting of Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal in October 2021 at a ranch near Santa Fe. The tragic incident occurred when Baldwin, while preparing for a scene, pointed a gun at Hutchins; the firearm discharged, resulting in Hutchins’ death and injuring director Joel Souza.
Baldwin faced charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the shooting, but those charges were dismissed in court last year. This dismissal occurred after it was revealed that police and prosecutors had allegedly withheld evidence that could have benefitted Baldwin’s defense.
In a separate case, “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and served an 18-month prison sentence, which she completed in May. Prosecutors argued that Gutierrez-Reed carelessly brought live ammunition onto the set and neglected fundamental gun safety protocols.
Addiego’s testimony was significant in Gutierrez-Reed’s trial, and he also appeared before the grand jury that indicted Baldwin.
The production of “Rust” eventually resumed and was completed in Montana. The film premiered in theaters in May.
This incident has raised significant discussions about safety regulations within the film industry, underscoring the need for comprehensive measures to protect all individuals involved in productions.
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