Three “Rust” crew members sued Alec Baldwin and the film’s producers Monday, alleging they have anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the fatal shooting of the movie’s cinematographer.
The three crew members were in the church building at the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, when Baldwin’s gun fired, striking cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza. Baldwin has denied pulling the trigger, though prosecutors have charged him with involuntarily manslaughter for allegedly firing the weapon while it was pointed at Hutchins.
The plaintiffs in the latest suit are Ross Addiego, the dolly operator, Doran Curtin, the set costumer, and Reese Price, the key grip. According to the suit, all three were in close proximity to Baldwin when the gun was fired, leaving them with “blast injuries” from the deafening sound of the shot.
According to the complaint, Hutchins fell to the ground directly in front of Curtin.
“She watched in shock as Hutchins grabbed at her abdomen,” the lawsuit states. “Plaintiff Curtin put her hands on Hutchins’ stomach, trying to find the source of Hutchins’ pain and figure out what was going on. 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 lawsuit also alleges that the producers cut corners and hired people who had been the subject of previous safety complaints, including David Halls, the first assistant director. The suit also faults the producers for hiring armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed despite her lack of experience, because they allegedly wanted a “quick and cheap production.”
The lawsuit faults Baldwin for not paying attention during weapons training, for failing to ensure that the gun was not loaded with a live bullet, and for discharging the round.
Baldwin’s representative declined to comment. He pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of…
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