February 28, (THEWILL) – Film producer, Alec Baldwin, has been sued by three ‘Rust’ crew members in a new lawsuit.
They claimed that the fatal 2021 set shooting of cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, caused them physical and psychological injuries.
The lawsuit, which alleges negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress, was filed on Friday, in state court at Santa Fe, N.M., by dolly operator, Ross Addiego, set costumer, Doran Curtin and key grip, Reese Price.
The suit named Baldwin, his El Dorado Pictures company and Rust Movie Productions LLC as defendants in the case.
“These injuries were caused by defendants’ failure to follow industry safety rules.
“Defendants cut corners, ignored reports of multiple, unscripted firearms discharges and persisted, rushed and understaffed, to finish the film”, the suit state.
All three plaintiffs reported witnessing the flash from the gunshot, as well as experiencing blast injuries from the sound of the gun within the small church in which they were shooting.
“Production of the gun-heavy western film required an experienced firearms expert and safety-minded leadership,” Jacob G. Vigil, attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement.
“‘Rust’ had neither. Instead, producers contracted an inexperienced armorer and set leaders with histories of safety violations.”
The complaint stated that Addiego applied first aid to director, Joel Souza, who was also struck by the gunfire while Curtin watched in shock as Hutchins grabbed her abdomen.
“Plaintiff Curtin put her hands on Hutchins’ stomach, trying to find the source of Hutchins’ pain and figure out what was going on,” the suit details.
“As the chaos continued, Plaintiff Curtin was ushered out of the church. Once outside, she collapsed from the effects of the blast and the shock of the shooting.”
The suit further noted that the plaintiffs have independently sought support in dealing with their injuries which include, but are not limited to, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.”
Baldwin himself officially pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges brought against him in regard to the death of Hutchins.
On Thursday, Baldwin, entered a not-gulty plea in New Mexico’s Santa Fe County First District court and waived his right to appear in court for a hearing that was initially scheduled for Friday.
As a result, Judge Mary Marlow Sommer canceled the following day’s hearing, which was expected to see Baldwin appear in court for the first time since charges were filed against him and former Rust armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed on January 31.
