A New Mexico judge has dismissed actor Alec Baldwin's lawsuit against prosecutors involved in the fatal shooting on the set of the film 'Rust'. The suit, which alleged malicious prosecution and civil rights violations, was dropped without prejudice due to a lack of significant action since it was filed in January.
Baldwin's legal team has 30 days to file a motion to reinstate the case. Luke Nikas, Baldwin's lead attorney, described the dismissal as a non-event, stating that the team has been engaged in good-faith settlement discussions and will refile promptly if those discussions are not resolved favourably.
The lawsuit targeted special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, three investigators from the Santa Fe County sheriff's office, and the county board of commissioners. Baldwin's attorneys argued that prosecutors and investigators targeted the actor for professional or political gain, including allegations of defamation.
The case stems from the October 2021 incident in which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot during a rehearsal. Baldwin, who was pointing a pistol at Hutchins, has maintained that he pulled back the hammer but did not pull the trigger. An involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin was dismissed at trial last year after revelations that evidence was withheld from the defence.
Baldwin and other producers of 'Rust' also face a civil lawsuit in New Mexico state court from Hutchins's family. A deposition for Baldwin in that case was postponed in May and has yet to be rescheduled.
