Alec Baldwin sued by family of cinematographer killed on set

LOS ANGELES — The family of a cinematographer shot and killed on the set of the film “Rust” sued Alec Baldwin and the movie’s producers Tuesday alleging their “callous” disregard in the face of safety complaints led directly to her death. Baldwin’s attorney responded that any claim the actor was reckless is “entirely false.” The suit filed in New Mexico’s Santa Fe County in the name of Matthew and Andros Hutchins shows a text message exchange between a camera operator and a producer in which a complaint over gun safety was met with what the suit calls “callous sarcasm.” The operator, Lane Luper, texted unit production manager Katherine Walters saying: “We’ve now had 3 accidental discharges. The defendants’ “reckless conduct and cost-cutting measures led to the death of Halyna Hutchins,” attorney Brian Panish said. “He, Halyna and the rest of the crew relied on the statement by the two professionals responsible for checking the gun that it was a ‘cold gun’ – meaning there is no possibility of a discharge.” He added that “actors should be able to rely on armorers and prop department professionals, as well as assistant directors, rather than deciding on their own when a gun is safe to use.” Last month Baldwin turned over his cellphone to investigators, and Dyer said he continues to cooperate fully with the investigation. On her Instagram page, Hutchins identified herself as a “restless dreamer” and “adrenaline junkie.” In 2019, American Cinematographer called her “one of the year’s rising stars.” Dyer’s statement said: “Everyone’s hearts and thoughts remain with Halyna’s family as they continue to process this unspeakable tragedy.” ___ Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton ___ This story has been updated to correct the spelling of attorney Brian Panish’s last name.