SANTA FE, N.M. – A judge in New Mexico has thrown out a lawsuit brought by actor Alec Baldwin. The lawsuit accused parties of malicious prosecution and civil rights violations linked to the tragic shooting of a cinematographer during the filming of the Western “Rust” in 2021.
The case was dismissed without prejudice, as revealed in a ruling made public on Wednesday, due to a lack of substantial progress. The lawsuit, initially filed in state district court earlier this year, can be reinstated if Baldwin’s lawyers file a motion within the next 30 days.
Luke Nikas, Baldwin’s chief attorney, stated via email to The Associated Press that the case’s dismissal was insignificant since they were awaiting action on the lawsuit.
He expressed confidence, saying, “We have been actively engaged in settlement discussions with the other parties, and are prepared to refile if these discussions do not yield a positive outcome soon.”
The lawsuit’s defendants include special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, three investigators from the Santa Fe County sheriff’s department, and the county commissioners.
Baldwin had faced an involuntary manslaughter charge, which was dismissed last year after allegations surfaced that the police and prosecutors had withheld critical evidence. The trial was further complicated by a revelation that ammunition was brought to the Santa Fe County sheriff’s office, possibly linked to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The allegations in Baldwin’s tort claim include defamation, with his attorneys saying that prosecutors and investigators targeted the actor and coproducer for professional or political gain.
Hutchins died shortly after being wounded during a rehearsal for the movie “Rust” in October 2021 at a film-set ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when it discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has said he pulled back the hammer — but not the trigger — and the revolver fired.
The actor recently spoke to The Associated Press at San Diego’s Comic-Con International, saying he couldn’t believe what happened that day in court as the trial came to an abrupt end and that his life over the last year has been far better than the few years that preceded it.
Still, Baldwin and other producers of “Rust” are being sued in New Mexico state court by the parents and younger sister of Hutchins. Court records show a deposition for Baldwin in that case was put off in May and has yet to be rescheduled.
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