Alec Baldwin has taken legal action against those involved in the criminal case regarding the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust.
The actor has filed a lawsuit against several individuals, including special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, accusing them of malicious prosecution and violations of his civil rights.
Baldwin claims that the prosecutors were driven by a desire to convict him for improper reasons, making the case about personal or political motives rather than seeking justice. His lawsuit marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal saga stemming from the tragic incident in October 2021.
In his legal filing, Baldwin argues that the prosecution intentionally withheld crucial evidence that could have exonerated him. He claims that the prosecution sought to scapegoat him, pursuing his trial and conviction with the intention of advancing their own agenda.
Baldwin’s legal team accuses the defendants of manipulating the legal process, asserting that they acted in bad faith and violated Baldwin’s rights in the course of their pursuit. The actor’s lawsuit presents these actions as a deliberate attempt to wrongfully target him, further alleging that the prosecutors were not interested in finding the truth but rather in securing a conviction by any means necessary.
Kari Morrissey, who served as the special prosecutor in the case, responded publicly to the lawsuit, expressing confidence in the upcoming legal battle. She stated, “We look forward to our day in court,” signaling that her team intends to vigorously defend their actions in the legal proceedings.
The Santa Fe District Attorney, Mary Carmack-Altwies, has yet to comment publicly on the lawsuit, though BBC News has reached out for a statement. Morrissey’s response to Baldwin’s legal action came shortly after she became aware of Baldwin’s intention to file a civil lawsuit, which was anticipated by the prosecution team as a retaliation for their pursuit of criminal charges against him.
The lawsuit was filed less than a month after Morrissey decided not to pursue an appeal following a court’s decision to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin. The charge stemmed from the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins during the filming of Rust, when Baldwin, the film’s lead actor and co-producer, was handling a gun that discharged, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
The case against Baldwin had already been complicated by procedural issues, particularly related to evidence, which led to a judge ruling in Baldwin’s favor in July 2023. The judge’s decision to throw out the manslaughter charge was based on the misconduct of police and prosecutors, who had failed to disclose key ammunition evidence to the defense.
Baldwin’s lawsuit marks another chapter in a legal saga that has been closely watched by the public, as it raises questions about the conduct of those in charge of the investigation and prosecution. The actor has expressed frustration with the way the legal process has unfolded, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Baldwin’s team, which includes prominent lawyers Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, has framed the lawsuit as an effort to hold those responsible for the alleged misconduct accountable. They emphasized in a joint statement that criminal prosecutions should be focused on truth and justice, not personal or political gain, or harassment of the innocent.
The legal action Baldwin has taken aims to address what he describes as a miscarriage of justice. In their statement, Baldwin’s lawyers asserted that Morrissey and the other defendants violated fundamental principles of fairness and justice, and they expressed determination to prevent similar actions from occurring in the future. By filing this lawsuit,
Baldwin seeks to hold the prosecutors accountable for their handling of the case and to ensure that the legal system operates with integrity, free from undue influence or manipulation. This development adds another layer to a case that has already been marred by controversy, and the outcome of this lawsuit may have significant implications for both Baldwin and the broader legal community.
