alec-baldwin

“Rust” Is Back In Motion With A New Armorer

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Derailed Western movie Rust is finally back in motion with some major changes to its personnel. Following the tragic shooting of the film’s cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, back in October 2021, a new armorer has been chosen. The new armorer for Rust is a veteran in the industry. With over 60 major film credits, including The Terminator, Manchurian Candidate, and Mortal Kombat, Andrew Wert will be replacing the rookie armorer. Wert, 54, is the new replacement for rookie prop specialist Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 26.

Furthermore, Gutierrez-Reed, is the only member from the crew that’s still facing criminal charges over the shooting. While the film’s star Alec Baldwin was unexpectedly cleared on Thursday, the rookie is facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Not only that, she’s also faced with mishandling firearms, according to court documents. Authorities say Gutierrez-Reed was responsible for loading a live bullet into the Colt .45 that killed the mother-of-one Hutchins. She now faces a preliminary hearing in Santa Fe starting August 9th.

“Rust” Rookie Armorer Still Faces Charges

Alec Baldwin attends The Roundabout Gala 2023 at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on March 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Reportedly, police say they found texts from the former Rust armorer that showed she wanted to use live ammunition in a previous film. Secondly, they also found a mix of live and dummy rounds on the Rust set-massive safety violation. Alec Baldwin, 65, is currently staying in Livingston, Montana. He has resumed his role as Western outlaw Harlan Rust and was pictured on set Friday. It’s the first time he’s been seen in costume since the killing of Hutchins.

Contrary to Gutierrez-Reed, who only has one other credit to her name, veteran Wert has worked on a slew of blockbuster films. Not only that, he’s also a member of the IATSE (International Allegiance of Theatrical Stage Employees) union. Along with Rust, Wert has quite the range of movies under his belt. Titles such as Transporter 2, SEAL Team (tv series), and the Spongebob Squarepants Movie. In a statement ahead of the film’s relaunch, director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the shooting that took Hutchins’ life, had warm words for his late colleague. He praised the new production team that was committed to finishing what he and Hutchins started. Are you watching Rust when it comes out?

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Alec Baldwin Holds Rifle On “Rust” Set After Criminal Charges Dropped

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Alec Baldwin was spotted wielding a rifle on the set of Rust, just one day after the criminal charges were dropped against him regarding the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin fatally shot Hutchins while rehearsing a scene for the same film in 2021. He had fired a prop gun that was loaded with a real bullet.

In pictures from the set, Baldwin is in character wearing leather boots, gray pants, a shirt with a black vest, and a bandana. He plays Harland Rust in the movie. Filming is taking place near the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Paradise Valley, Montana. The previous shoots took place in New Mexico, but they’ve moved in response to facing safety violations on set. They’ve also agreed to pay a $100,000 fine in the state.

A Candlelight Vigil For Halyna Hutchins

BURBANK, CA – OCTOBER 24: A candlelight vigil is held at IATSE Local 80 in Burbank, CA on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, for director of photography Halyna Hutchins who was fatally shot accidentally by Alec. Baldwin on the “Rust” movie set at Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe, N.M. on Thursday, October 21, 2021. The movie’s director Joel Souza also was injured in the accident. The IATSE Local 80 represents motion picture grips, crafts service, first aid employees, and warehouse workers according to its website. Photographed in IATSE Local 80 on in Burbank, CA. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The charges for manslaughter against Baldwin were dropped earlier this week. “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, the attorneys for Baldwin, said in a statement. In the time since the shooting, Baldwin has maintained he didn’t pull the trigger and pleaded not guilty. Despite the decision, prosecutors say that they may refile the charges in response to an additional investigation that is being conducted.

While Baldwin appears to be off the hook for the shooting for now, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the original Rust set, is still facing involuntary manslaughter charges of her own related to the fatal shooting.

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Charges Against Alec Baldwin Dropped

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The events that occurred on the set of Rust in October 2021 were extremely tragic. During the filming of the upcoming Western, a live round was discharged from a prop revolver. This happened as Alec Baldwin, the film’s lead and executive producer, attempted to demonstrate a holster draw as part of a scene. This resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Director Joel Souza was also injured in the incident. The production was shut down and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office began an in-depth investigation.

In January 2023, Baldwin and the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, were both charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Elsewhere, first assistant director David Halls agreed to plead guilty on a charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon. In late February, Baldwin pled not guilty to the charges. Both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were scheduled to begin their trial proceedings May 3.

Baldwin Charges Dropped

A lot of information was made public in the aftermath of the incident. Gutierrez-Reed and Halls were both revealed to have had previous complaints relating to their firearm negligence. The incident also occurred during discussions about a production staff strike, specifically for the IATSE union, to which several Rust production staff members belonged. Finally, the FBI contested Baldwin’s claim that he did not pull the trigger on the prop gun. Firearms specialists showed the gun could not have been fired without pulling the trigger, and there was no mechanical failure.

However, Baldwin will no longer go to trial as his charges have been dropped. “We are pleased with the decision to dismiss the case against Alec Baldwin and we encourage a proper investigation into the facts and circumstances of this tragic accident,” said attorneys for Alec Baldwin. It is unclear if Gutierrez-Reed will still face trial for her charges. Filming on Rust also resumed this week, moving from New Mexico to the Yellowstone Film Ranch. The change was necessitated after the production was fined $100,000 for multiple safety violations, as deemed by the State of New Mexico. According to reports, the production will not use working weapons or live ammunition going forwards. It is unclear when Rust will premiere.

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Alec Baldwin Sued By Crew Members Who Were There For The Shooting On “Rust” Set

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In the unraveling case of Alec Baldwin’s tragic shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust, three of the crew members who were present during the mishappening have spoken up. Dolly operator Ross Addiego, set costumer Doran Curtin and key grip Reese Price have collectively opened a lawsuit against both Baldwin and the Rust production. Their basis for suing is negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Together, Addiego, Curtin, and Price were three out of the seven members on set during the disaster, and all three relive harrowing accounts of the aftermath.

The plaintiffs express how the simultaneous decision to use active firearms on set and not maintain adequate safety protocols allegedly caused the death of Hutchins. They note how safer options, such as props and special effects, could have been used in place of a real gun. Additionally, the by-product of the incident resulted in emotional distress for the three crew members. Addiego, Curtin, and Price recall how they all had to jump in to help both Hutchins and director Joel Souza after the firearm struck.

Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty

(Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

TMZ reports that the plaintiff’s documents also described that armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed “lacked essential experience.” It notes how Gutierrez-Reed handed the gun to Halls without having checked it, who then passed it along saying it was “cold.” Despite the negligence in handling the weapon, Baldwin still went on with using it. The plaintiff claims that the result of these circumstances was Hutchin’s death and the resulting anguish.

While Baldwin still awaits his preliminary hearing for Hutchin’s death, he has pleaded not guilty and waived his Friday (February 24) court appearance. The allegations of Santa Fe’s D.A. department claim that he has acted with “criminal negligence.” However, Baldwin remains his stance that other members of the production team were responsible for ensuring the safe usage of the firearm. Today, he remains free from jail. Within 60 days of pleading not guilty, both he and Gutierrez-Reed will face their respective hearings. Rust, on the other hand, is planning on reshooting in the upcoming months. For more news on pop culture and hip-hop, be sure to check out HNHH.

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Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty In “Rust” Case

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Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Additionally, he waived his court appearance on Friday. Currently, Baldwin is not in jail, free without having to post a bond to the government. He was originally going to make his first court appearance on Friday on Google Meet. However, he chose to submit his not-guilty plea through a court filing instead. Therefore, he will not have to do it in court and will not be due in court until the preliminary hearing begins. In the official trial, he faces up to 18 months in prison. Obviously, this will only occur if he is convicted in connection to the Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins‘ tragic death.

The Santa Fe D.A.’s allegations against Baldwin state that he acted with “criminal negligence” when he fired a loaded weapon. The incident occurred while preparing for a scene. The incident occurred at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in October 2021. However, Baldwin has denied these allegations, even prior to pleading not guilty. He has said that others were responsible for making sure the gun was not loaded. Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer of Rust, will make her first court appearance on Friday. She will appear under the accusation of involuntary manslaughter. According to reports, She was responsible for making sure all rounds in the gun were dummies.

Alec Baldwin Still Not In The Clear

Alec Baldwin speaks onstage at the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala at New York Hilton on December 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala)

On Monday of this week, prosecutors dropped the firearm enhancement charge. The charge could have added an additional five years to Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed’s sentences. It would have allowed for extra punishment for the actual “discharge” of the weapon in the course of a felony. However, this did not apply to the Rust case. The enhancement charge took effect seven months after the shooting took place. Furthermore, Baldwin is set to head to Montana in spring to complete the film. The creation process was suspended after the tragic accident on set.

In October, producers announced a settlement with Hutchins’ husband, Matthew. He will become an executive producer of the film. Additionally, the filmmakers of Rust have said that they will finish the film as a tribute to Hutchins’ final work and overall talent. Additionally, they will be working with a documentary crew to tell the story of Hutchins’ career. This documentary will include the story of Hutchins’ time on Rust. Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed will have a preliminary hearing within 60 days of pleading not guilty to their accused charges. They will appear in person for the preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will give evidence to convince a judge to request a trial.

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Alec Baldwin’s “Rust” Shooting Charges Don’t Include Director Joel Souza

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Over a year after cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins tragically lost her life on the film set of Rust, Alec Baldwin – who set off the deadly weapon – is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter. The reactions to this news are incredibly polarizing. Some are insisting that the 30 Rock alum doesn’t deserve the potential punishment.

Interestingly, the same bullet that killed the Ukraine-born creative also struck the movie’s director, Joel Souza. He was injured, but thankfully survived the unfortunate incident.

Alec Baldwin having lunch alone and smoking a cigar on April 3, 2022 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

While he’ll possibly face repercussions for Hutchins’ death, the District Attorney says Baldwin won’t be in trouble for shooting Souza. According to the Santa Fe DA, “there’s no crime” in the latter. The only way to categorize what happened is “unintentional battery,” which doesn’t exist.

Battery requires intent, as TMZ notes. The DA also said that “Baldwin had no intention to hurt anyone.” Rather, the charges he’s facing are due to his alleged recklessness.

The outlet spoke with Douglas Stewart, who was filming on the Rust set before Hutchins’ death. Earlier this weekend he gave an interview TMZ Live, telling hosts that in the decades he’s been in the industry, it’s never been standard practice for an actor to check the chamber. In fact, he claims they’re prohibited from doing so. Instead, they usually rely on the armourer to ensure things are running safely.

If this case goes to trial, Baldwin’s attorneys will likely use this argument, stating their client was following an on-set custom which wouldn’t constitute recklessness.

As you may know, the 64-year-old was also an Executive Producer on Rust. During his interview, Stewart alleged that this was mostly to earn back-end profits, and not because he was “running the show.”

The actor’s formal charges will likely come prior to the month’s end.

Watch a digital reenactment of the Rust shooting in the video below. Afterward, tell us your thoughts on Alec Baldwin’s potential punishment in the comments.

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Alec Baldwin & Armorer Charged In “Rust” Death Of Halyna Hutchins

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After years of denying responsibility, Alec Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed have been charged with the death of Halyna Hutchins. In October 2021, Hutchins was working as the director of photography for Rust when Baldwin reportedly fired shots from a prop gun. Sadly, the firearm was loaded with live rounds, killing Hutchins.

Fingers have been pointed as investigators sought answers. Additionally, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer, denied culpability, stating that they adhered to safety protocols. Today (January 19), the District Attorney in Santa Fe, New Mexico, shared both would face two counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Read More: Alec Baldwin Gets Ridiculed After Condemning Airport Fight Video, Cites Workplace Safety

“After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the Rust film crew,” said Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies.

She also noted, “On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.”

Deadline also reports the charges will be “formally filed by the end of the month.” They also detailed the charges and the sentencing attached.

Read More: Alec Baldwin Says Stress From “Rust” Shooting Has “Taken Years Off” His Life

“The first charge is a fourth-degree felony with sentencing of up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine,” Deadline stated. “The second charge, which is formally an involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act charge, is also a fourth-degree felony punishable by up to 18 months in jail and up to a $5000 fine. However, the second charge additionally carries a firearm enhancement. That gives the offense a punishing mandatory five years behind bars if Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed are found guilty.”

Further, Baldwin’s attorney issued a statement about the updated news.

“This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice,” Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel told Entertainment Weekly. “Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun — or anywhere on the movie set.”

“He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win,” he also shared.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 06: Hilaria Baldwin and Alec Baldwin attend the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala at New York Hilton on December 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala)
Read More: Alec Baldwin Sues Film Crew Over “Rust” Shooting

Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyer, Jason Bowles, also criticized the investigation into Hutchins’s death.

“Hannah is, and has always been, very emotional and sad about this tragic accident. But she did not commit involuntary manslaughter,” Bowles said. “These charges are the result of a very flawed investigation, and an inaccurate understanding of the full facts. We intend to bring the full truth to light and believe Hannah will be exonerated of wrongdoing by a jury.”

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Hailey Bieber Makes “Nepo Baby” Fashion Statement

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Hailey Bieber rocked a shirt with the phrase, “Nepo Baby,” printed across the front on Friday in Los Angeles. The top is a reference to a piece published on New York Magazine’s Vulture.com that went viral, last month. Along with the crop top, Bieber wore a pair of light-wash jeans and a studded belt.

The article takes a deep dive into nepotism in the entertainment industry. It makes reference to Maude Apatow, Lily-Rose Depp, Maya Hawke, and many more, in addition to Hailey Bieber.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Hailey Bieber is seen on January 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Bieber is the daughter of Stephen Baldwin and the niece of Alec Baldwin.

“In 2022, the internet uncovered a vast conspiracy: Hollywood was run on an invisible network of family ties — and everybody was in on it!” Nate Jones wrote in the Vulture piece. “Everyone is someone’s kid, but it was as if everybody were somebody’s kid.”

Numerous celebrities have derided the piece, including Tom Hanks, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.

While Hailey Bieber hasn’t commented directly on it until now, she has spoken about the influence of her parents in the past. Speaking with Grazia in 2016, she explained: “I want to do everything on my own without my name being a factor. I try to keep myself separate from it. Kids that already have a famous background are just following in their families’ footsteps. My dad [Stephen Baldwin] and all of his brothers have done this. This is my family business.”

In addition to being related to both Stephen Baldwin and Alec Baldwin, Hailey is married to Justin Bieber. The two got engaged in July 2018 and were married by the end of that year.

Check out Bieber’s “Nepo Baby” outfit above.

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FBI Report: “Rust” Gun Couldn’t Have Fired Without Trigger Pull, Ruled An Accident

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alec baldwin

 The gun actor Alec Baldwin was holding in the fatal shooting on the Rust movie set could not have been fired without pulling the trigger. 

According to an FBI forensic analysis obtained by ABC News, testing of the gun, a .45 Colt revolver, shows it couldn’t have fired without the trigger being pulled.

Baldwin has said he didn’t pull the trigger on the New Mexico set of Rust when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in October.  Director Joel Souza was also wounded. 

Baldwin thought he was holding a “cold gun,” which is, one without live ammunition. 

READ MORE: Alec Baldwin And Producers Sued Over Deadly “Rust” Film Shooting

The New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office has ruled that Baldwin’s fatal shooting of the cinematographer last year was an accident.

In its report released Monday, the medical investigator’s office said the shooting was accidental because there was no “obvious intent to cause harm or death.”

Continue the conversation on social media.

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