In October 2021, camerawoman Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed on the set of the western Rust. The film’s producers now have to pay a hefty fine for lack of security.
After the death of camerawoman Halyna Hutchins while shooting a film with Hollywood star Alec Baldwin, a US agency for occupational safety and health has imposed a fine. The producers of the western Rust have been fined nearly $137,000 (€126,000) for lack of security on the set. This is the maximum penalty permitted under New Mexico state law, the Santa Fe authorities said on Wednesday (local time).
A months-long investigation into the fatal shooting on the film’s set in October 2021 has brought to light breaches of safety regulations. The authority accuses the producers of disregarding safety protocols for the use of weapons. According to the report, the safety rules were “routinely” not complied with. Live ammunition was brought to the film set, and some weapons were left unattended there.
In addition, those responsible ignored complaints from employees about previous incidents with firearms. Actors on location also pointed firearms at cameras or other people without consulting a weapons expert. The “tragic incident” could have been avoided. Those responsible are accused of “indifference” to the safety of employees.
Alec Baldwin shot camerawoman on film set
Director of photography Halyna Hutchins was fatally injured and director Joel Souza was shot in the shoulder while filming the low-budget western “Rust” on a Santa Fe film ranch. Baldwin, who served as lead actor and producer on the film, had used the gun in rehearsal for one scene. Investigations revealed that the Colt had a real bullet lodged in it.
Police investigations into how this happened are ongoing. Shortly after the incident, the public prosecutor’s office had stated that criminal prosecution was also possible.
Several civil lawsuits are already pending. In February, the camerawoman’s relatives accused Baldwin and other film crew members of gross negligence in a wrongful death lawsuit. A young gunsmith has sued a man who supplied props, including ammunition, for the shoot. The lawyers of the weapon master in focus brought “sabotage” into play in November. Someone could have put a live ammunition bullet in a box of harmless dummy cartridges to sabotage the shoot.
Baldwin has repeatedly denied responsibility for Hutchins’ death in interviews. It was a “horrible tragedy” but he was not responsible for the fatal accident, his lawyer said in a letter in March. Other people were responsible for the safety of props. The 64-year-old published a statement from his lawyer in response to the fine being ordered. Baldwin welcomes the agency’s investigations, the letter said. It is confirmed that the actor was unaware that the gun was loaded with live ammunition and that he had limited authority on set.
Source: Stern
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