Actor Alec Baldwin is facing a wrongful death lawsuit.
The “30 Rock” actor claims that a gun he was holding discharged on the set of the Western film, “Rust,” last October. That gun contained a live bullet, which struck and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin was not only an actor, but a producer, and many claimed that he had a degree of responsibility to make sure that the set was safe.
Alec Baldwin Named In Wrong Death Lawsuit After Fatal ‘Rust’ Shooting
Attorney Rachel Fiset, who is not involved in the investigation, spoke to Fox News about how Baldwin has become “inseparable” from the scandal.
“Alec Baldwin is inseparable from this incident on the set of ‘Rust.’ Not only was he the shooter and the closest association with the ‘cause’ of her ‘wrongful death,’ but he is also a big-name producer,” Fiset explained. “In those roles, it is almost inescapable that any negligence or recklessness shown on the set will be tied to him — if not legally, then professionally and reputationally.”
Hutchins’ family is suing for punitive damages, funeral and burial expenses, emotional damage, and other charges, but Fiset said that it is likely that the civil suit will be settled outside of a courtroom. “One or two percent of [civil] cases go to trial,” she said.
Even if Baldwin is able to settle the civil suit, it still remains to be seen if he will be criminally charged in her death. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Sante Fe County Sheriff’s Department said that “the investigation remains open and ongoing” but had no comment on the civil suit Baldwin is currently facing.
Baldwin’s Lawyers Insist That Alec Baldwin Was Not ‘Reckless’ On ‘Rust’ Set
Baldwin’s lawyer, attorney Aaron Dyer, also provided a statement to Fox News, saying that “any claim that Alec was reckless is entirely false.”
“Everyone’s hearts and thoughts remain with Halyna’s family as they continue to process this unspeakable tragedy,” Dyer said in his statement. “We continue to cooperate with the authorities to determine how live ammunition arrived on the ‘Rust’ set in the first place. Any claim that Alec was reckless is entirely false.”
“He, Halyna and the rest of the crew relied on the statement by the two professionals responsible for checking the gun that it was a ‘cold gun’ — meaning there is no possibility of a discharge, blank or otherwise,” he continued.
“This protocol has worked on thousands of films, with millions of discharges, as there has never before been an incident on a set where an actual bullet harmed anyone,” he went on. “Actors should be able to rely on armorers and prop department professionals, as well as assistant directors, rather than deciding on their own when a gun is safe to use.”
Although Baldwin has most likely been advised not to comment on an ongoing investigation, he posted a subtle clip to his Instagram page on Tuesday night.
Alec Baldwin Shares Message of Hope: ‘Everything Is Going To Be Alright’
On Tuesday night, Baldwin shared a 24-second video from the Parrish Art Museum on Eastern Long Island, where glowing letters spelled out “Everything Is Going To Be Alright.” Baldwin does not speak in the video, but cars can be heard zooming by in the background as Alec zooms in on the message.
Although one comment said, “You must pay,” many fans of the comedian expressed their support.
“It will all work out Alec.Stay strong.🙏Thinking of you and your beautiful family❤️,” one fan wrote.
“Not to worry Alec ..you are innocent . This was a horrible accident . You will be exonerated.🙌” another said.
“Hang in there Alec. You got this❤️,” another commented.
“Exactly. Chin up. This too shall pass like everything else 🙏🏼” said another.
“That’s a sign. Get it?😂 but seriously you were meant to see that. Take a breath kid, accept the positive energy people are sending you from all across the world. ❤️🍀” another wrote.
“Yes it is!! Stay strong 💪🏼. Remember who you are! We love you,” another fan added.
“God bless the Hutchins family. I can’t even imagine what they’re going through,” another user wrote.
One user replied to their comment, saying, “Kind of you to mention them. The pain, the grief has to be incomprehensible. The Hutches family have certainly tried to stay completely off social media and out of the limelight. Class act even with this horrific tragedy.”
