The production company responsible for Alec Baldwin’s latest film, “Rust,” has agreed to pay a $100,000 fine to the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) following the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October of last year.
According to reports, the OHSB had previously issued a maximum allowable fine of $136,793 to the production company in April of 2021 for safety violations. Under the settlement agreement, which is still pending approval, the bureau has downgraded its citation from “wilful-serious” to a “serious” violation.
Melina Spadone, senior counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and a lawyer for Rust Movie Productions, said in a statement, “We are pleased to have entered into an agreement with OHSB, subject to approval, which downgrades the citation and reduces penalties. Our top priority has always been resuming production and completing this film so we can honour the life and work of Halyna Hutchins. Settling this case rather than litigating is how we can best move forward to achieve that goal.”
Meanwhile, Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to two charges of involuntary manslaughter in relation to the death of Hutchins. Baldwin, who was holding the prop gun that discharged and fatally injured Hutchins, will face a preliminary court hearing at a later date to determine whether or not the case will go to trial.
