Three former Rust crew members have filed a new lawsuit against Alec Baldwin and the film’s producers, claiming they failed to follow safety rules.
The three plaintiffs claim Baldwin ignored warning signs which led to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The former crew members also claim they suffered anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder following the shooting and death of Hutchins.
The three plaintiffs, Ross Addiego, the dolly operator; Doran Curtin, the set costumer; and Reese Price, the key grip, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages due to injuries “including, but not limited to, hearing loss, temporary deafness, and vibrational shock,” the suit said.
The plaintiffs were present in the church building when Hutchins was shot and killed in October 2021.
Although Baldwin denied pulling the trigger, he was charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly firing the weapon while it was pointed at Hutchins.
He has pleaded not guilty.
Jacob G. Vigil, legal counsel for the three former crew members, said “The negligent and reckless conduct of Alec Baldwin and the Rust production cannot be excused,” per Fox News.
The lawsuit against Alec Baldwin also claims:
“These injuries were caused by Defendants’ failure to follow industry safety rules. Defendants cut corners; ignored reports of multiple, unscripted firearms discharges; and persisted, rushed and understaffed, to finish the film.”
Other defendants named are Rust Movie Productions, LLC, and El Dorado Pictures.
According to the lawsuit, Hutchins fell to the ground right in front of Curtin.
“She watched in shock as Hutchins grabbed at her abdomen. 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 states, per Variety.
The plaintiffs also allege that producers cut corners, while Baldwin did not pay attention during weapons training.
Baldwin initially faced a minimum five-year sentence if found guilty. But his attorneys argued that the district attorney had illegally charged him under a firearms law, which wasn’t in place at the time of the shooting in October 2021.
Baldwin now only faces a maximum of 18 months in prison if convicted.
Rust is reported to have moved to a different backdrop to resume filming, opting for Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana instead of New Mexico.
READ MORE: Alec Baldwin Makes Creepy ‘Sexually Suggestive Innuendo’ between Wife Hilaria and Son
