Actor Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit against prosecutors and investigators following the dismissal of involuntary manslaughter charges in the fatal "Rust" movie set shooting incident.
The lawsuit, filed in Santa Fe's state district court, targets special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, and members of the Santa Fe County sheriff's office. Baldwin alleges malicious prosecution, civil rights violations, and defamation.
According to the legal filing, prosecutors and investigators deliberately mishandled evidence while pursuing the case against Baldwin. The lawsuit claims the defendants attempted to blame Baldwin for others' actions, disregarding available evidence and legal standards.
The case stems from the October 2021 incident on the "Rust" film set near Santa Fe, New Mexico, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot during a rehearsal. Baldwin, who served as both lead actor and co-producer, was holding the pistol that discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has maintained that while he pulled back the hammer of the revolver, he never pulled the trigger.
In July, a judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin. The prosecutors named in the lawsuit have not yet responded to requests for comment on the new legal action.
The filing marks the latest development in the ongoing legal aftermath of the tragic shooting that shocked the entertainment industry and sparked debates about on-set safety protocols.