Alec Baldwin on the set ofRust.Photo: Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office/ZUMA
ThreeRustcrew members brought forth a new lawsuit againstAlec Baldwinand the film’s producers on Friday, claiming that the fatal 2021 on-set shooting of cinematographerHalyna Hutchinscaused them physical and psychological injuries.
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 to PEOPLE. “Rust had neither. Instead, producers contracted an inexperienced armorer and set leaders with histories of safety violations.”
PEOPLE’s request for comment to Baldwin’s attorney was not immediately returned on Monday night.
“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 notes 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.”
RELATED VIDEO: Alec Baldwin Sees Charge Dropped in ‘Rust’ Shooting, Faces Reduced Prison Sentence
Baldwin himself is officially pleading not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges brought against him in regard to the death of Hutchins.
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 formerRustarmorerHannah Gutierrez-Reedon Jan. 31.
Baldwin’s not-guilty plea comes after prosecutorsdropped the firearms enhancement chargeoriginally brought against the actor/producer, which would have given him a mandatory five years in jail had he been convicted of the involuntary manslaughter and firearms enhancement charges.
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Baldwin still faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter for the shooting — that crime would carry a lesser sentence of 18 months if convicted.
In addition to criminal and recent charges, Baldwin is alsofacing another civil lawsuitfrom Hutchins' parents and sister in her death.
source: people.com
