Alec Baldwin to Face Civil Trial Over Negligence in 'Rust' Shooting
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- A judge has ordered Alec Baldwin to face a civil trial in October regarding allegations that he negligently fired a gun on the set of "Rust," which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
- Baldwin's manslaughter case was dismissed in July 2024 due to withheld evidence by prosecutors, but he still faces several lawsuits related to the October 2021 shooting incident.
- The lawsuit, brought by gaffer Serge Svetnoy, claims emotional distress caused by Baldwin's and the production's negligence; the judge rejected defenses arguing lack of legal responsibility for set safety.
- The judge allowed claims for punitive damages, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress to proceed, while dismissing the assault claim due to lack of evidence of intent to harm.
- The civil trial, initially set for May 26, has been rescheduled to October 12 to allow further discovery and settlement discussions, with the judge emphasizing the need for a timely resolution.
