Alec Baldwin: Legal Consequences for the Star of the Unlucky Western?

Alec Baldwin
Legal consequences for the star of the unlucky western?

Alec Baldwin at an event in New York in early October.

© imago / ZUMA Wire

After the tragedy on the “Rust” set, many questions remain unanswered, such as the legal consequences for Alec Baldwin. What is threatening him?

According to experts, the fatal shots at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins (1979-2021) on the set of the western “Rust” in New Mexico could have far-reaching legal consequences – not only for the companies involved, but also for individuals, including the star and producer of the Films, Alec Baldwin (63).

Halyna Hutchins was killed by a gun Baldwin fired while filming last Thursday (October 21). Director Joel Souza (48) was also injured. In the case under investigation by the Santa Fe authorities, no criminal complaint has yet been filed, as the “Los Angeles Times” reports.

Alec Baldwin said Friday that he is fully cooperating with the police investigation into the death. “There are no words to express my shock and grief over the tragic accident in which Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and colleague we hold dear, was killed,” he also wrote in a series of tweets.

Compensation in the millions?

Lawyers and law professors stated that several people and institutions involved in the production could be held civilly liable after the death. “Somebody must have acted negligently,” said Gregory Keating, professor at USC Gould School of Law. “Something like that doesn’t happen without negligence. There are safety protocols that must be followed. It’s really just a question of who was negligent and how responsibility is shared. Everything else is unclear because the facts are unclear.”

Such legal proceedings can lead to millions in damages. Sarah Jones’ family, who died in a train wreck while filming “Midnight Rider” in 2014, was awarded $ 11.2 million after filing a lawsuit for wrongful death.

Who is held accountable in the case of “Rust” depends on how far the alleged negligence extends. The gunsmith, the person responsible for the gun props used in the filming, could be sued, as could the assistant director who allegedly handed Baldwin the gun, Keating said. The Associated Press reported on Friday, citing court files, that Baldwin had received the gun from assistant director Dave Halls, who advised that it was safe to use in the moments before the actor fired it. The assistant director did not know that the prop gun was loaded with live ammunition, as the document shows. Neither Dave Hall nor the weapons master, Hannah Gutierrez Reed (24), has so far made any public statements.

Responsibility of the producers of the low budget film

According to the legal experts, the production company of “Rust” could face substantial claims for damages in a civil lawsuit, especially if it turns out that the producers of the low-budget film have saved in the wrong place and bypassed the usual safety regulations. And this is where Alec Baldwin comes in. He could also be charged with negligence, not because he was holding the gun, but because he is one of the producers.

“I would be shocked if it didn’t bring a lawsuit against the production company,” said Bryan Sullivan, partner at Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae. “Ultimately, they are all employees of the manufacturing company and any liability would be borne by the company and its insurance company.”

Members of the “Rust” crew told The Times that security protocols, including gun inspections, were not strictly followed on the set. One of the cameramen complained to a production manager about the safety of the weapons last weekend, it is said.

The production company Rust Movie Productions said in a statement on Friday that it was “not aware of any official complaints about the safety of weapons or props on the set”. “The safety of our cast and crew is a top priority for Rust Productions and everyone associated with the company,” the statement said. “We will conduct an internal review of our procedures while production is suspended. We will continue to work with the Santa Fe authorities on their investigations and provide psychological support to the cast and crew during this tragic time.”

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