Baldwin Wanted to Finish 'Rust' after Fatal Shooting

Alec Baldwin wanted to finish making 'Rust' even after a cinematographer was fatally shot on set, new documents show.Angela Weiss AFP/File
Alec Baldwin wanted to finish making 'Rust' even after a cinematographer was fatally shot on set, new documents show.Angela Weiss AFP/File
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Baldwin Wanted to Finish 'Rust' after Fatal Shooting

Alec Baldwin wanted to finish making 'Rust' even after a cinematographer was fatally shot on set, new documents show.Angela Weiss AFP/File
Alec Baldwin wanted to finish making 'Rust' even after a cinematographer was fatally shot on set, new documents show.Angela Weiss AFP/File

Actor Alec Baldwin wanted to finish filming "Rust" in the weeks after the fatal on-set shooting of a cinematographer, new legal documents showed Friday.

Baldwin was holding a Colt gun during a rehearsal for the low-budget Western in New Mexico in October when it discharged a live round, killing Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza, AFP said.

The movie was abandoned amid recriminations over who was to blame for the tragedy, with allegations of unsafe practices and claims of corner-cutting.

But an arbitration filing Friday in Los Angeles showed Baldwin had sought to resurrect the stalled project.

"Baldwin made an exhaustive effort to contact the 'Rust' cast in the hope of acquiring their support to finish the film," said the filing by Baldwin's attorney to an arbitration service.

"He did so both with the intent of honoring Halyna's legacy by completing her last work and of compensating Hutchins and his son from the film's profits.

"Depending on the success of 'Rust' upon its completion and release, this additional component of the settlement would likely have equaled millions of dollars."

A series of lawsuits have been filed since the shooting, including by Hutchins' husband, in which he claimed "substantial" damages against Baldwin and other producers.

It was this lawsuit, Friday's filing says, that derailed the scheme to finish the film.

The arbitration document seeks chiefly to insulate Baldwin and his production company -- producers on the movie -- from the effect of lawsuits, arguing that the former "30 Rock" star had no responsibility for the business side of the film.

It cites a clause in the contract he had with "Rust LLC," the company formed to make the movie, saying he is "entitled to immediate indemnification from Respondents arising out of or connected to the Rust litigations."

In December, Baldwin told ABC that he does not feel guilty for Hutchins' death, and believed the weapon he was handling to be safe.

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

Law enforcement in New Mexico is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident, including into how live ammunition could have found its way onto the set.

Investigators have not filed criminal charges but have refused to rule them out against anyone involved, including Baldwin.



Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
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Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)

Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron said Monday that he’s leaving the band after nearly 30 years.

The 62-year-old Cameron announced his departure in a social media post.

“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron said. “Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.”

Cameron didn't give a reason for his departure.

“Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer. He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always,” Pearl Jam members said in a statement posted to the band's social media accounts.

They made no mention of a replacement.

Cameron, who played drums for Soundgarden for more than a decade before joining Pearl Jam, was not a founding member of the band and didn't play drums for the early albums that made them rock superstars.

But he provided some much-needed stability at the drum kit after the band had gone through four others since its inception. He first joined in 1998 as a temporary replacement for Jack Irons, playing on a long tour before making his studio debut with the group on 2000's “Binaural.”

He just finished a yearlong tour with the band in support of its 12th studio album, “Dark Matter.”

Cameron was born and raised in San Diego before moving to Seattle shortly before its music scene became a global phenomenon. He played in proto-grunge band Skin Yard before joining Soundgarden. He did double duty with Pearl Jam and a reunited Soundgarden from 2010 to 2017.