A US judge has dismissed a lawsuit against actor Alec Baldwin concerning the tragic shooting on the set of the film Rust, delivering a major legal win for the Hollywood star.
The lawsuit, filed by script supervisor Mamie Mitchell, accused Baldwin of negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress following the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021. However, the judge ruled that Mitchell's claims did not meet the legal threshold for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Key details of the case:
- The incident occurred during a rehearsal when a prop gun held by Baldwin discharged, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
- Baldwin has consistently denied responsibility, stating he was told the gun was safe and did not pull the trigger.
- This dismissal follows other legal challenges Baldwin has faced, including involuntary manslaughter charges that were later dropped.
The ruling marks a turning point in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the Rust tragedy, though civil lawsuits from other crew members remain pending. Baldwin's legal team has welcomed the decision, calling it a "step toward justice."
Meanwhile, production on Rust has resumed with enhanced safety protocols, though the film remains overshadowed by the tragedy.
