Actor Alec Baldwin is taking a stand. In the aftermath of the tragic shooting on the set of Rust, Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit against prosecutors and investigators, claiming malicious prosecution, defamation, and civil rights violations. His lawsuit, submitted in Santa Fe’s district court on Thursday, comes after a judge dismissed a charge of involuntary manslaughter against him back in July.
But this case isn’t just about legal accusations—it’s a fight for Baldwin to clear his name.
What’s in the Lawsuit?
Baldwin’s suit names several individuals, including special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, three sheriff’s office investigators, and the Santa Fe County board of commissioners. His claim? These officials allegedly mishandled evidence and targeted him unfairly for their own professional or political gain.
“Defendants sought at every turn to scapegoat Baldwin for the acts and omissions of others, regardless of the evidence or the law,” the lawsuit states.
The Tragic Backstory
In October 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life during a rehearsal for Rust at a film-set ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin, both the lead actor and co-producer, was holding a pistol that discharged, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
Baldwin has consistently maintained that he never pulled the trigger. He claims he only pulled back the hammer when the gun unexpectedly fired.
Unanswered Questions and New Evidence
The case took a twist earlier this year when a man brought ammunition to the Santa Fe County sheriff’s office, claiming it might be connected to the shooting. Prosecutors dismissed the ammo as unrelated, but Baldwin’s lawyers argue this evidence was improperly ignored and buried.
Baldwin’s legal team secured a motion to dismiss the criminal case, and while the state attorney general chose not to appeal, the legal fallout continues.
Reactions and Ongoing Tensions
Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey responded to the lawsuit, stating she had known for over a year that Baldwin might take legal action. “We look forward to our day in court,” she said
Meanwhile, other key figures, including Carmack-Altwies and the sheriff’s office, have not commented publicly.
Other Lawsuits in the Mix
The Rust tragedy has sparked a web of lawsuits. Hutchins’ parents and younger sister have filed a case against Baldwin and the movie’s producers. Meanwhile, a separate lawsuit filed by Hutchins’ widower and son was resolved in a settlement.
Additionally, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie’s weapons supervisor, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and is currently serving a 1.5-year sentence.
What’s Next for Baldwin?
Despite the ongoing legal drama, Baldwin is moving forward. He’s returned to comedy appearances on Saturday Night Live and is reportedly planning a family reality show with his wife, Hilaria, and their seven children.
As Baldwin fights for what he calls justice, this high-profile case continues to unfold, leaving the world watching to see how it all ends.