In the wrongful-death suit filed against Alec Baldwin, and the producers of RustHalyna Houtchins, cinematographer, died. However, criminal charges might still be filed.
Baldwin, ‘Rust’ Producers Reach Settlement
Halyna Hutchins, Halyna’s daughter, was killed and injured when a prop gun Baldwin used went off. Joel Souza, director of the film, was also hurt. Baldwin, it was announced recently. Rust’s producers, and Hutchins’ family had come to settlement regarding the wrongful death suit.
Matthew Hutchins, Halyna’s widower, Released a statement about the settlement, saying, “The filming of Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume with all the original principal players on board in January 2023. 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.”
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Alec Baldwin made a statement by posting an Instagram post. “We are pleased to announce today the settlement of the civil case filed on behalf of the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. 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.”
The wrongful death suit has been dismissed, but Heather Brewer, a spokesperson for the Santa Fe District Attorney’s Office in New Mexico, said that Baldwin and the movie’s producers are not out of legal trouble yet.
Baldwin and producers could be facing criminal charges
“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 impact on District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies’ ongoing investigation or her ultimate decision whether to file criminal charges in the case,” Brewer.
“While civil suits are settled privately and often involve financial awards, criminal cases deal only in facts. If the facts and evidence warrant criminal charges under New Mexico law, then charges will be brought,”She went on. “No one is above the law.”
District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies revealed that the investigation surrounding the shooting is nearing its conclusion and that she is considering prosecuting up to four people in connection with Halyna Hutchins’ death.
Despite the ongoing legal issues, Rust’s producers announced that the movie will resume filming in January. Baldwin and the movie’s producers might have settled their case with the Hutchins family, but only time will tell whether or not there will be criminal charges in their future.