The production company behind the Spaghetti Western film ‘Rust’ has agreed to pay a fine of $100,000 to the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) following the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The production company was issued a fine of $136,793 by the bureau last April. The amount was the maximum allowable by state law in New Mexico, reports Mirror.co.uk.
Under the settlement, which is pending approval, the bureau downgraded its claim from “wilful-serious” to a “serious” violation.
As per Mirror.co.uk, Melina Spadone, senior counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and lawyer for Rust Movie Productions, said: “We are pleased to have entered into an agreement with OHSB, subject to approval, which downgrades the citation and reduces penalties. Our top priority has always been resuming production and completing this film so we can honour the life and work of Halyna Hutchins. Settling this case rather than litigating is how we can best move forward to achieve that goal.”
It comes a day after actor Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty to two charges of involuntary manslaughter over the death of the cinematographer.
The 64-year-old actor will next face a preliminary hearing at a date yet to be set. The hearing will determine whether or not the case will go to trial. The actor was charged over the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins in October 2021 by the Santa Fe District Attorney’s office last month.
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