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Baldwin has been named as a defendant in
several civil lawsuits including one from the husband of Halyna
Hutchins, who was killed in October when a gun the actor was
using during a rehearsal fired off a live bullet.
In addition to playing the lead role, Baldwin served as a
producer of the film.
In an arbitration demand filed against fellow producers, Baldwin
seeks to enforce a "broad indemnification clause" in his
contract that his lawyers said shields him from financial claims
regarding the production.
Baldwin has said he was heartbroken by the incident but does not
believe he bears any responsibility because he was told the Colt
.45 revolver he was handed was "cold," an industry term meaning
it is safe to use. He has said he pulled the gun's hammer back
but did not pull the trigger.
"Rust," a Western, was being filmed at Bonanza Creek Ranch in
New Mexico. Authorities in Santa Fe are investigating the
incident and say they have not ruled out criminal charges. A key
question is how live ammunition wound up on the set.
In the new filing, attorneys said he provided creative input in
his producing role and did not hire any crew members, who were
the people responsible for ensuring gun safety procedures were
followed.
"This is a rare instance when the system broke down, and someone
should be held legally culpable for the tragic consequences,"
the filing said. "That person is not Alec Baldwin."
Matthew Hutchins, the cinematographer's husband, argued in his
lawsuit that Baldwin bore responsibility because he fired the
gun and should have checked that it did not contain live rounds.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew
Lewis)
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