Alec Baldwin Says Contract Protects Him From Set Shooting Liability

by

Reuters

Alec Baldwin said in a lawsuit on Friday that his “Rust” contract protects him from financial liability in the case of the accidental firing of a gun that killed the film’s director of photography.

Baldwin has been named as a defendant in several civil lawsuits, including one by the husband of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed in October when a gun the actor was using during a rehearsal fired a lethal bullet.

In addition to playing the lead role, Baldwin served as the film’s producer.

In a lawsuit filed against other producers, Baldwin seeks to enforce a “broad indemnity clause” in his contract that, according to his lawyers, protects him from production-related financial claims.

Baldwin said he was heartbroken over the incident but does not believe he bears any responsibility because he was told the Colt .45 revolver he received was “cold” — an industry term meaning it is safe to use. He said he pulled the hammer back on the gun but didn’t pull the trigger.

“Rust”, a western, was being filmed at Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico. Santa Fe authorities are investigating the incident and say they are not ruling out criminal charges. A key question is how the live ammunition ended up on set.

Matthew Hutchins, the cinematographer’s husband, argued in his lawsuit that Baldwin was responsible because he fired the gun and should have checked it didn’t contain live ammunition.

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