Rust: Alec Baldwin reaches settlement with Galina Hutchins’ family

SANTA FE, New Mexico — Actor Alec Baldwin has reached an undisclosed settlement in a wrongful death claim filed by the family of Galina Hutchins, a cinematographer killed on the set of Rust last year.

“Throughout this difficult process, everyone maintained a specific desire to do what was best for Galina’s son,” Baldwin said in statement shared on social networks. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”

In October 2021, Baldwin pointed a gun at Hutchins when he fired, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. They were in a small church and were going to film a scene.

The lawsuit was filed in February against Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions, LLC. Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, said the settlement is subject to court approval and exact terms were not released.

BEFORE: Alec Baldwin is now facing a lawsuit from his family after filming on set

“Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume filming with all major players in January 2023,” Matthew Hutchins said in a statement obtained by CNN and Deadline.

He said he was not interested in “ascriptions of guilt”:

“We all believe that Galina’s death was a terrible accident,” the statement reads. “I’m grateful that the producers and the entertainment community came together to honor Galina’s latest work.”

In his own statement, Souza said he would continue to direct “Jiri” with Matthew Hutchins as producer.

“Although it is bittersweet, I am glad that together we will finish what Galina and I started,” Souza said in a statement obtained by Deadline. “My best efforts in this film will be to honor Galina’s legacy and make her proud. I am honored to be able to achieve this on her behalf.”

Baldwin said he fired the gun accidentally and that he did not pull the trigger. But a recent FBI forensic report found that the weapon could not have fired unless someone pulled the trigger.

New Mexico Medical Examiners ruled in August that Hutchins’ death was an accident. It was not known how much weight the ruling will have when prosecutors decide whether to press charges.

The state has provided funds to pay for possible criminal prosecutions related to the shooting Santa Fe New Mexico Report Last month, as many as four people could be put on trial. District attorneys have not said if anyone will actually be charged, but said Baldwin was one of the possible defendants.

Baldwin said he does not believe he will be prosecuted for the shooting.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.