'Rust' Producer Defends Employer Over Fatal Shooting Incident: 'Not Its Fault' [REPORT]
"Rust" production company, Rust Movie Productions, broke its silence after several staff and individuals said it should be held liable for the deadly shooting that led to Halyna Hutchins' death.
Nearly a year after the "Rust" shooting incident occurred, the probe continues in order to determine whether there were lapses in the set that caused the tragedy.
On Tuesday, Rust Movie Production defended the company and insisted that it is not its fault that the shooting happened since it was not an employer for the film. The Hollywood Reporter also noted that the producer only relied on the movie's independent contractors, including Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer who was supposed to maintain gun safety.
Per Rust Movie Productions, Gutierrez-Reed was the only worker who should be responsible for all firearms and ammunition on the movie set.
"[Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's responsibility] includes ensuring that RMP's express prohibition against the presence of live ammunition was strictly followed, ensuring that only blanks were used when called for by the script, and that only dummy rounds were used," it continued.
The Rust Movie Productions immediately released a defense after a source revealed that the Santa Fe County district attorney's office had already started the talks regarding the criminal charges to be filed next month.
"Rust" Production Company Receives Scathing Allegations From Script Supervisor
The producer seemingly responded, as well, to the claims made by script supervisor Mamie Mitchell.
In a separate report published days ago, it was revealed that the script supervisor wants the producer to face negligence charges in civil court.
Her representative, John Carpenter, filed the official report.
Before accusing the producer, Mitchell already sued Alec Baldwin and "Rust" producers through Gloria Allred. The attorney particularly included the report released by OSHA.
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For what it's worth, The New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau released a report saying that Rust Movie Productions, LLC should pay a $136,793 fine due to willful and serious violation of workplace procedures. It highlighted that the fine also included the damages the lack of gun safety caused.
Per the bureau, the company knew all along that there was a lack of firearm safety procedure on set, showing "plain indifference to employee." It also claimed that it failed to maintain safety practices during filming and take corrective action.
Meanwhile, Environmental Cabinet Secretary James Kenney addressed it in a video, calling the event a complete failure in following national protocols.
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