Alec Baldwin sues for malicious prosecution after manslaughter charge dismissed in Rust shooting

Alec Baldwin sues for malicious prosecution, alleging harm from wrongful manslaughter charge in Rust shooting case.

Actor Alec Baldwin has filed a lawsuit alleging "malicious prosecution" following the dismissal of an involuntary manslaughter charge against him in connection to the fatal shooting on the set of the movie Rust in 2021. The legal filing comes months after prosecutors in New Mexico dropped the charge against Baldwin, citing insufficient evidence.

The lawsuit targets individuals involved in the investigation and prosecution, arguing that Baldwin was wrongfully accused and subjected to undue emotional and professional harm. His legal team claims the charge was baseless and that Baldwin’s reputation and career were irreparably damaged due to what they call "malicious actions" by law enforcement and legal authorities.

The incident occurred in October 2021, when a live round discharged from a firearm Baldwin was holding, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin, who has maintained that he did not pull the trigger, faced intense scrutiny and public backlash following the tragedy.

While the actor had initially been charged with involuntary manslaughter, prosecutors later dropped the case, acknowledging that the firearm may have been modified, complicating the evidence. Baldwin’s lawsuit argues that the legal proceedings against him were rushed and influenced by public and political pressure.

The Rust shooting has since reignited debates about on-set safety and the use of firearms in film production. Baldwin has consistently called for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.