'Rust': Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty to manslaughter charges
What's the story
Actor Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the sets of Rust. In October 2021, Baldwin was using a Colt .45 during rehearsals when it accidentally discharged and shot Hutchins. Director Joel Souza was also wounded in the accident. The court directed him to complete filming and included a ban on guns and consuming alcohol.
Proceedings
Court removed the firearm enhancement charges
Baldwin and the film's armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed faced two alternative counts of voluntary manslaughter. He told the court that he was informed by the crew that the gun was not loaded. However, he previously insisted he did not pull the trigger, but FBI firearms experts said that it was not possible. Recently, the court removed the firearm enhancement charge against Baldwin.
Settlement
Hutchins's husband reached a settlement
As the proceedings are on, Hutchins's husband reached a settlement with Baldwin in October 2022. The "wrongful death lawsuit" has been dropped against the actor. Hutchins's husband mentioned his disinterest in recriminations. He also termed her death as a "terrible accident." He joined the film as an executive producer and thanked the producers for paying tribute to his wife's final work.