There is more distressing fallout from the accidental prop firearm shooting on the set of “Rust.”
A source at People has reported that star Alec Baldwin is “canceling other projects” and is going to "take some time to himself and re-center himself."
The fatal accident last Thursday on the set of the period piece western left cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, dead and director Joel Souza, 48, injured, and has sent Baldwin into a sad cycle, reports the outlet — though friends and co-workers have tried to express to him that it was not his fault.
The source confirms to People that Baldwin, also a producer on the movie, was "hysterical and absolutely inconsolable for hours" following the shooting. "Everyone knows this was an accident, but he's absolutely devastated.”
"[Baldwin] is someone who really deeply cares, so he can be very hard on himself," the source continued. "That's true in general, in situations nowhere near as serious as this. But in this situation, it's a whole other level because of the loss of life involved…. He needs to take a while to himself, to be with his family."
Related
The actor himself released a brief statement via Twitter on Friday morning:
"There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”
People further reported that Hutchins' husband Matthew, with whom she shares 9-year-old son Andros, has been in contact with Baldwin. "I have spoken with Alec Baldwin," Matthew Hutchins told the Daily Mail, “and he is being very supportive.”
While the investigation is ongoing, no charges have yet been filed.
According to the production company, Rust Movie Productions, LLC, the film has been indefinitely paused. Hollywood as a whole has entered a period of self-evaluation concerning use of any live weaponry in future filmmaking.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram