Actor Alec Baldwin shared an open letter from Rust crew and cast members on Instagram firing back at claims that the set was ‘chaotic, dangerous and exploitative.’
Many people have stated that Halyna Houtchins, cinematographer for the film was shot to death on the sets of the film in recent weeks.
Baldwin held the gun that killed Hutchins and gave a teary eye interview one week ago. In which he said that his prop weapon was discharged by itself when he fired it, and denied personal responsibility.
While he claimed someone was to blame for the live ammo being used in the gun, the culture that was behind it was also not responsible.
Baldwin posted an open letter to Instagram with this assertion. The letter was signed by 20 cast and crew members.
It adds that the signing crewmembers ‘believe the public narrative surrounding our workplace tragedy is inadequate and wish to express a more adequate account of our experience.’
The letter explains that it is common in the film industry to work on productions that are ‘unprofessional’ and ‘hectic’ in order to ‘gain experience and credits,’ adding that many of the staffers signing the letter have worked on such productions.
‘Rust was not one of them,’ it adds. ‘Rust was professional. We do acknowledge that no set is perfect, and like any production, Rust had its areas of brilliant and its areas that were more challenging.’
The crewmembers add that they “stand firmly” with their unions and “strongly support the fight for better working conditions” across the industry, but asserts that the set of Rust is not an example of the circumstances they are “fighting against.’
‘The descriptions of Rust as a chaotic, dangerous and exploitative workplace are false and distract from what matters the most: the memory of Halyna Hutchins, and the need to find modern alternatives to outdated industry firearm and safety practices.
Although the writers acknowledge that there were a few crew members who left before the tragedy occurred, the letter states that the majority of them stayed, and they never felt the need to quit or protest. Our work was enjoyable. We were enjoying our work.
Alec Baldwin posted an Instagram open letter by Rust employees slamming Halyna HUTCHINS’ culture and resulting in her death. Baldwin will not be seen with his friend walking out in New York City Wednesday night.