SANTA FE – 2025/07/01 12:31:46 – Alec Baldwin and other producers of the movie “Rust” have reached an agreement to settle a negligence lawsuit filed by three crew members from New Mexico. These crew members witnessed the tragic shooting of the film’s cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, in 2021.

Ross Addiego, Doran Curtin, and Reese Price, the crew members involved, initiated the lawsuit in 2023. They sought compensation for the emotional trauma they experienced after Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot by Baldwin. The incident occurred while the crew was setting up equipment inside a small wooden church on the movie set.

The lawsuit alleged that “dangerous cost-cutting” and a “failure to follow industry safety rules” led to the tragedy. Baldwin, who starred in the low-budget western, also served as one of its producers.

The plaintiffs named Baldwin, his company el Dorado Pictures, and Rust Movie Productions LLC as defendants, accusing them of negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The crew members claimed that Baldwin and the other producers “cut corners, ignored reports of multiple, unscripted firearms discharges, and persisted, rushed and understaffed, to finish the film.”

Baldwin and the other producers have consistently denied these allegations.

Both parties jointly requested a New Mexico civil court judge last week to dismiss the case.

attorneys for both sides stated in a joint motion on June 25 that “All claims have been settled and compromised.”

The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, and representatives from both sides have declined to comment.

The lawyers also noted, “Each party has agreed to bear its own costs and fees.”

On the day of the shooting, the film was behind schedule due to camera crew members walking off the set. The technicians cited frustration over a lack of nearby housing, rushed working conditions, and safety violations, including accidental gun discharges.

The shooting resulted in the death of Hutchins, who was 42 years old. She is survived by her husband, son, and family in Ukraine. Previously, the producers reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by her husband, Matthew Hutchins.

Joel Souza,the film’s director,was also wounded in the shooting. He, along with Addiego and other crew members, testified about the physical and emotional struggles they faced in the aftermath.

Addiego served as the dolly operator, responsible for the camera’s movement mechanisms. Curtin was the set costumer, overseeing costumes and accessories, and Price was the key grip, handling the nonelectric support gear.

new Mexico authorities initiated three criminal prosecutions,including one against Baldwin, who was holding the gun when it discharged during a setup shot.

Baldwin pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, but the charge was later dismissed by former New Mexico 1st Judicial District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer.

The judge cited that the special prosecutor and Santa Fe county sheriff’s deputies had concealed evidence from Baldwin’s legal team, which she said prejudiced the case.

At the time, Baldwin’s team was investigating whether prosecutors and sheriff’s deputies had mishandled the investigation into how live rounds made their way onto the set.

Hannah Gutierrez, the armorer, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after a two-week trial. The Arizona woman was released from prison last month after serving 14 months.

Assistant director David Halls was also charged. He pleaded no contest to negligent use of a deadly weapon and received a suspended six-month sentence.

Production of “Rust” resumed in Montana 18 months after Hutchins’ death, with Baldwin and other producers involved. The film was released this spring.