28 days ago
Daily Mail
Three crew members of the film Rust have filed a lawsuit against Alec Baldwin and the producers, claiming that they have experienced anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder due to the shooting death of the film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The October 2021 incident occurred in a church building at the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico when Baldwin's gun fired, with the bullet killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Baldwin denied pulling the trigger, but prosecutors have charged him with involuntary manslaughter for firing the weapon while it was pointed at Hutchins.
The three crew members who have filed this latest are Ross Addiego, the dolly operator, Doran Curtin, the set costumer, and Reese Price, the key grip.
All three claim they were near Baldwin when the gun was fired and suffered 'blast injuries' from the deafening sound of the shot.
Halyna Hutchins was shot dead on the set of the movie Rust in October 2021
Alec Baldwin has denied pulling the trigger, but prosecutors have charged him with involuntary manslaughter for firing the weapon while it was pointed at Hutchins
Hutchins fell to the ground in front of Curtin. 'She watched in shock as Hutchins grabbed at her abdomen,' the lawsuit states.
'Plaintiff Curtin put her hands on Hutchins' stomach, trying to find the source of Hutchins' pain and figure out what was going on. As the chaos continued, Plaintiff Curtin was ushered out of the church. Once outside, she collapsed from the effects of the blast and the shock of the shooting.'
The lawsuit also accuses the producers of cutting corners and hiring individuals who had been the subject of previous safety complaints, including David Halls, the first assistant director, and armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who 'lacked experience' because the producers allegedly wanted a 'quick and cheap production.'
Gutierrez Reed, like Baldwin, is also facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison. Both have pleaded not guilty.
She mistakenly loaded a live round into the gun Baldwin fired and has criticized the film's producers for failing to provide enough time for firearms training.
The lawsuit also accuses the producers of cutting corners and hiring individuals who had been the subject of previous safety complaints, including David Halls, the first assistant director
Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed appeared before a judge virtually last Friday
'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was charged alongside Baldwin in the woman's death
Producer and actor Baldwin fired the prop gun (pictured) that killed one crew member and injured another on the set of the movie 'Rust' in New Mexico
The suit faults Baldwin for not paying attention during weapons training, for failing to ensure that the gun was not loaded with a live bullet, and for discharging the round.
Other crew members have also filed lawsuits in New Mexico and California, including the script supervisor, set medic, and gaffer.
Baldwin's lawyers filed a counterclaim in one of those suits, alleging that four other people were at fault in the shooting.
Hutchins' widower, Matthew, filed a lawsuit a year ago and agreed to a settlement in October that will allow the film to be completed.
The producers plan to resume shooting this spring in Montana, with Baldwin still in the lead role.
Last week, Rust Movie Productions agreed to pay $100,000 to settle a workplace safety citation from the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau.
Baldwin's representatives have declined to comment.
Baldwin is pictured second from left next to Hutchins on the set of Rust before her death in October 2021
Baldwin (pictured after the shooting) has insisted the involuntary manslaughter charges are inapplicable because he had not been acting negligently when Hutchins was accidentally shot
Continue reading...
