Alec Baldwin Takes Legal Action After Accusations Dropped

Alec Baldwin Takes Legal Action After Accusations Dropped

Alec Baldwin takes legal action against Santa Fe officials, alleging civil rights violations in the aftermath of the “Rust” shooting case dismissal.

At a Glance

  • Baldwin sues Santa Fe officials for malicious prosecution, defamation, and civil rights violations.
  • The lawsuit was filed after the dismissal of charges related to the fatal “Rust” film set shooting.
  • Baldwin accuses officials of a smear campaign and manipulating evidence.
  • He seeks a jury trial and damages for alleged wrongful indictment.

Baldwin’s Legal Counterattack

In a dramatic turn of events, actor Alec Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against prosecutors and officials involved in the “Rust” shooting case. The legal action, filed in Santa Fe’s First Judicial District Court, alleges malicious prosecution, defamation, and civil rights violations. This move comes after charges against Baldwin, stemming from the tragic on-set death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, were dismissed.

The lawsuit targets a range of defendants, including the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners, special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, and Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies. Baldwin’s legal team asserts that these officials aimed to convict him for improper reasons related to the shooting incident.

Allegations of Misconduct

Baldwin’s lawsuit paints a picture of alleged misconduct by Santa Fe officials. The actor claims that he was given a prop gun that was supposed to be “cold” (without live ammunition) but discharged a live round, resulting in Hutchins’ death. The legal action accuses officials of hiding evidence, lying under oath, and making Baldwin a scapegoat for the tragedy.

“Defendants sought at every turn to scapegoat Baldwin for the acts and omissions of others, regardless of the evidence or the law,” the lawsuit alleges.

Specifically, special prosecutor Kari Morrisey is accused of giving inconsistent testimony, while District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies is alleged to have defamed Baldwin in a CNN interview by claiming he failed to ensure set safety. These accusations form the core of Baldwin’s claim of a concerted effort to wrongfully indict him.

Legal Complexities and Challenges

The lawsuit presents several legal challenges, including the question of prosecutorial immunity. Baldwin’s legal team is attempting to overcome the typical immunity granted to prosecutors in their official roles. The case also brings to light issues of evidence handling, with Baldwin’s lawyers arguing that crucial evidence was mishandled or withheld during the initial proceedings.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer’s dismissal of the case in July, citing intentional evidence concealment by the prosecution, forms a critical basis for Baldwin’s current lawsuit. The actor’s legal team is leveraging this dismissal to argue for the legitimacy of their civil rights violation claims.

Implications and Ongoing Litigation

This lawsuit adds another layer to the complex web of legal proceedings surrounding the “Rust” shooting incident. While Baldwin seeks to clear his name and obtain compensation, the case also raises broader questions about accountability in film production safety and the conduct of legal proceedings in high-profile cases.

As the legal battle unfolds, it’s worth noting that other aspects of the “Rust” incident continue to have repercussions. Movie weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and is serving a 1.5-year sentence. Additionally, Hutchins’ family has filed separate lawsuits against Baldwin and other producers, with a settlement reached with Hutchins’ widower and son.

Sources

  1. Alec Baldwin Sues Prosecutors After “Rust” Case Dismissed
  2. Alec Baldwin sues for malicious prosecution after judge dismisses case of fatal ‘Rust’ set shooting
  3. Alec Baldwin sues New Mexico officials for malicious prosecution, defamation following ‘Rust’ trial