With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
Alec Baldwin Settles Lawsuit Filed By 'Rust' Cinematographer's Family. Production Scheduled To Resume
Candles are placed in front of a photo of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a vigil in her honor at Albuquerque Civic Plaza on Oct. 23, 2021.
(
Sam Wasson
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
Nearly a year after Alec Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust, the actor-producer has settled a civil lawsuit filed by Hutchins' survivors. Terms were not made public.
Why now: Baldwin still faces possibles criminal charges in the fatal shooting, but as part of the legal settlement, production on the unfinished Rust is set to resume early next year.
What stands out: In a strange twist, Halyna Hutchins' widower will now serve as an executive producer on the production where his wife was killed. The news was first reported by Deadline.
Support for LAist comes from
The backstory: When he filed his action against Baldwin in February, Matthew Hutchins said his wife died because Baldwin violated New Mexico criminal law and "recklessly caused a deadly weapon to discharge." But in Wednesday's settlement announcement, Hutchins now says the fatal shooting was "an accident" and he has "no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame" against Baldwin.
What's next: The Santa Fe County District Attorney’s Office said the settlement will not influence its decision about filing criminal charges. Their statement:
"If the facts and evidence warrant criminal charges under New Mexico law then charges will be brought. No one is above the law."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump. -
The university says the compact, as the Trump administration called it, could undermine free inquiry and academic excellence. -
This is the one time you can do this legally! -
Metro officials said it will be able to announce an opening date “soon.” -
While working for the county, the DA’s office alleges that 13 employees fraudulently filed for unemployment, claiming to earn less than $600 a week.
Best of LAist