Alec Baldwin reaches settlement with slain 'Rust' cinematographer's family

Widower of Halyna Hutchins says he has 'no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame'

Alec Baldwin outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico, after he was questioned about a shooting on the set of the film 'Rust', which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. AP

A distraught Alec Baldwin lingers in the car park outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office. AP

The entrance to the film set of 'Rust'. Reuters

The entrance to the Bonanza Creek Ranch used for film shoots. AP

A vehicle from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office exiting the set of 'Rust'. Reuters

Media crews outside the gate of the film set of 'Rust'. Reuters

Director of photography Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of 'Rust'. AP

Journalists outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico. AP

Security guards block the Bonanza Creek Ranch. AP

The Bonanza Creek Ranch where 'Rust' was being filmed, one day after the incident. Photo: Roberto E Rosales / Albuquerque Journal

A sign points to the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe. AFP

A security guard speaks with a compliance officer from the State of New Mexico at the Bonanza Creek Ranch where 'Rust' was being filmed. AFP

Security guards at the entrance of the 'Rust' film set. AP

A vigil in Albuquerque, New Mexico, held in the honour of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. AP

A candle bearing Halyna Hutchins's name is placed among others during a vigil in her honour. AP

A large crowd of movie industry workers and New Mexico residents attend the candlelight vigil. AP

New Mexico residents at the vigil. AP

Members of the local film community mourn the loss of Halyna Hutchins. Reuters

Film industry worker Jake Extine pays his respects. AP

A sign calling for workplace safety at the vigil. Reuters

People light candles to honour Halyna Hutchins. AP

US actor Alec Baldwin and Rust Productions reached a settlement on Wednesday with the estate of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

“We are pleased to announce today the settlement of the civil case filed on behalf of the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins,” Baldwin said on Instagram.

“Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son.

“We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”

As part of the settlement, Hutchins's widower Matthew Hutchins will executive produce Rust, with the independent Western due to resume filming in January 2023, Deadline first reported.

“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr Baldwin). All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident,” Mr Hutchins said in the statement.

Joel Souza, a film director injured during the shooting, is expected to return when filming picks up again next year.

“In my own attempts to heal, any decision to return to finish directing the film could only make sense for me if it was done with the involvement of Matt and the Hutchins family,” he said in the statement, as reported by Deadline.

“Though certainly bittersweet, I am pleased that together, we will now complete what Halyna and I started.”

The Hutchins family lawsuit, filed in February, alleged that Baldwin, Rust Movie Productions and others violated numerous safety standards.

Hutchins was killed in October 2021 during the set-up for a filming scene on the New Mexico set.

Baldwin was pointing a gun in the direction of Hutchins when the firearm discharged, killing the cinematographer and wounding Mr Souza.

The actor has repeatedly claimed that he did not pull the trigger.

Criminal charges have not been filed in relation to the shooting, though investigators have not yet ruled them out.