Alec Baldwin filed a lawsuit Thursday against New Mexico prosecutors and sheriff’s officials, alleging a “malicious” prosecution over the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.
The legal action targets special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and others, following the dismissal of Baldwin’s manslaughter case during his July trial. A judge ruled that evidence about the live round that killed Hutchins was deliberately withheld.
Baldwin’s attorneys claim officials pursued him for “political” and “personal” reasons in a conspiracy to bring him to trial. The complaint highlights statements by prosecutor Andrea Reeb about the case boosting her political career and alleges Morrissey gave “false and incomplete” testimony to secure an indictment.
Morrissey denied wrongdoing and said she anticipated the lawsuit, while Reeb and the sheriff’s office did not comment.
Hutchins died after Baldwin pointed a reproduction 1873 revolver at her during a scene rehearsal. The gun, loaded with a live round, was handled by armorer Hannah Gutierrez, who was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in jail.
Baldwin, also a producer on Rust, has maintained he was not responsible for weapons safety on set. His lawsuit criticizes the filing of evidence under a separate case number, which Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled showed “scorching prejudice.”
The actor seeks financial damages and must now prove the defendants lack immunity under state law. Morrissey stated she looked forward to defending the case in court.
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