Alec Baldwin sues 'Rust' prosecutors for false accusation

Actor Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit against prosecutors and investigators in the criminal case over the fatal shooting on the set of the film 'Rust' in 2021. The lawsuit, filed in Santa Fe County District Court, accuses those responsible of violating his civil rights, defaming him and concealing key evidence that would have favored his defense. Among the defendants are special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and members of the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.

The lawsuit alleges that prosecutors conspired to charge Baldwin without cause, ignoring legal procedures and withholding exculpatory evidence. According to the actor, these actions were motivated by a desire to make him a "scapegoat" for the tragic incident that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuries to director Joel Souza.

"The defendants must be held accountable for their malicious and illegal prosecution of Baldwin. Although no verdict in this civil case can repair the trauma that the state's threat of conviction and imprisonment has inflicted, Alec Baldwin has brought this action to hold the defendants accountable for their egregious violations of the laws governing their work," the complaint states.

In response, District Attorney Morrissey told USA Today that they already plan to fight the lawsuit and defend their actions in court. The Sheriff's Office declined to comment.

How did Alec Baldwin's case end?

The criminal case against Baldwin was dismissed in the summer of 2024 after Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer concluded that authorities had withheld relevant information from the defense. At the time, Baldwin's attorneys noted that the criminal proceedings were riddled with irregularities that compromised the fairness of the trial.

In the current lawsuit, Baldwin is seeking a jury trial, financial compensation for "injuries suffered" and punitive damages. According to the document, he is seeking to hold those responsible accountable for their "malicious prosecution". Baldwin stated that while no legal decision will be able to reverse the trauma experienced, his action is intended to set a precedent to prevent future abuses in the judicial system.