Alec Baldwin's lawyers argue that the actor and producer's Rust contract shields him from financial responsibility in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed on the set of the movie last year.
According to the New York Times, Baldwin's lawyers claim in an arbitration demand that their client was told that the gun he was using at the time of Hutchins' shooting did not contain live ammunition. In addition, the attorneys note that Baldwin was not assigned any firearm-related safety responsibilities.
“This is a rare instance when the system broke down, and someone should be held legally culpable for the tragic consequences,” Luke Nikas, a lawyer for Baldwin, said in the newly reported filing. “That person is not Alec Baldwin.” According to Nikas, a clause in Baldwin’s contract with Rust Movie Productions LLC ensures he has “no financial responsibility” in connection with Hutchins’ death.
Baldwin is also expected to receive $250,000 to both star in Rust and serve as one of its producers. In fact, he is said to have returned $100,000 of that payday as an investor in the film.
According to reports, the husband made an appearance on Today last month in which he criticized Baldwin for not taking "any responsibility." The same month, it was reported that he filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and others involved with the Rust production.
Additional lawsuits have also been filed resulting from the shooting, including one from a set medic over "severe emotional distress."
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