Alec Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against prosecutors who pursued a criminal charge against him after the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust. The Hollywood actor, who was the lead actor and co-producer of the Western film, was pointing a gun at Ms Hutchins when it fired in October 2021.
The cinematographer was killed and director Joel Souza was wounded. Baldwin, 66, was accused of involuntary manslaughter but his trial was upended in July when a judge threw the case out based on the misconduct of police and prosecutors over the withholding of ammunition evidence from the defence.
He has now filed a lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations against those involved in pursuing the charge. The lawsuit alleges that prosecutors intentionally concealed evidence that would absolve Baldwin from blame and "sought at every turn to scapegoat" him to "maliciously bring about or advance" the actor's trial and conviction.
It claims the defendants, which include special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Santa Fe district attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, were "blinded by their desire to convict Baldwin for all the wrong reasons". In a statement, Ms Morrissey said: "In October 2023 the prosecution team became aware that Mr Baldwin intended to file a retaliatory civil lawsuit.
"We look forward to our day in court.". Representatives for Ms Carmack-Altwies have been contacted for comment. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. . Baldwin's lawsuit has been filed less than a month after Ms Morrissey withdrew an appeal over the court's decision to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charge against the actor.
