'Rust' shooting: Halyna Hutchins's husband 'angry' Alec Baldwin took no blame

Killed cinematographer's husband gives first interview since filing wrongful death lawsuit against actor

The husband of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has said he was “so angry” that actor Alec Baldwin denied responsibility for her death after Baldwin shot her during the filming of the Western Rust.

In his first interview since filing a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and about two dozen other people last week, Matt Hutchins was asked if he had watched Baldwin's December interview with ABC News in which the actor said he was not responsible for Halyna's death.

“I was just so angry to see him talk about her death so publicly, in such a detailed way and then to not accept any responsibility after having just described killing her,” Mr Hutchins said in a clip aired on Wednesday from a Today programme interview.

Aaron Dyer, Baldwin's lawyer, was not immediately available for comment.

Halyna was killed in October 2021 when a revolver Baldwin was rehearsing with during filming in New Mexico fired a live round that hit her and movie director Joel Souza, who survived.

Mr Hutchins last week filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and others, claiming they disregarded standard industry practices meant to keep movie sets safe.

In the December interview, Baldwin said live rounds should never have been allowed on the set.

“I feel that someone is responsible for what happened, and I can't say who that is, but I know it's not me,” Baldwin said.

Mr Hutchins was asked if the majority of the blame for his wife's killing lay with Baldwin.

“The idea that the person holding the gun causing it to discharge is not responsible, is absurd to me,” Mr Hutchins said.

Last week, in response to the lawsuit, Mr Dyer said Baldwin should have been able to rely on the film's armourer, prop department and assistant directors to ensure the gun was safe to use.

Alec Baldwin outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico, after he was questioned about a shooting on the set of the film 'Rust', which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. AP

A distraught Alec Baldwin lingers in the car park outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office. AP

The entrance to the film set of 'Rust'. Reuters

The entrance to the Bonanza Creek Ranch used for film shoots. AP

A vehicle from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office exiting the set of 'Rust'. Reuters

Media crews outside the gate of the film set of 'Rust'. Reuters

Director of photography Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of 'Rust'. AP

Journalists outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico. AP

Security guards block the Bonanza Creek Ranch. AP

The Bonanza Creek Ranch where 'Rust' was being filmed, one day after the incident. Photo: Roberto E Rosales / Albuquerque Journal

A sign points to the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe. AFP

A security guard speaks with a compliance officer from the State of New Mexico at the Bonanza Creek Ranch where 'Rust' was being filmed. AFP

Security guards at the entrance of the 'Rust' film set. AP

A vigil in Albuquerque, New Mexico, held in the honour of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. AP

A candle bearing Halyna Hutchins's name is placed among others during a vigil in her honour. AP

A large crowd of movie industry workers and New Mexico residents attend the candlelight vigil. AP

New Mexico residents at the vigil. AP

Members of the local film community mourn the loss of Halyna Hutchins. Reuters

Film industry worker Jake Extine pays his respects. AP

A sign calling for workplace safety at the vigil. Reuters

People light candles to honour Halyna Hutchins. AP