Alec Baldwin returns to work as an actor and producer on the film Rust, more than a year after a fatal shooting incident on the set. Baldwin shot around the shots at the end of 2021 with a weapon that he said he thought was unloaded. He hit camerawoman Halyna Hutchins, who succumbed to her injuries in hospital. Baldwin is being prosecuted for wrongful death.
Filming was halted after Hutchins’ death, but will resume in the spring, writes E! News.
“Even though it’s bittersweet, I’m grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team is working alongside the former cast and crew to complete what Halyna and I started,” director Joel Souza said in a statement.
“In everything I do for this film, I want to honor Halyna’s legacy and make her proud. It’s a privilege to make this happen on her behalf.”
Prosecution through wrongful death
The New Mexico district attorney said at the end of January that enough evidence had been collected to prosecute Baldwin and other crew members. Under New Mexico law, wrongful death is punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Baldwin has always said that Hutchins’ death cannot be blamed on him. According to him, the bullets should never have been on the set. He also said he was told the gun was safe to use.
Baldwin’s lawyers also argue that a gun law against which the prosecutor tested the case did not exist at the time of the fatal shooting. Therefore, according to the lawyers, the charges of violating this gun law must be dismissed.
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