Alec Baldwin is scheduled to stand trial in a civil trial related to the tragic shooting on the set of the film “Rust.” Although the manslaughter charges were dismissed, the court will consider claims of emotional distress made by a worker, referring to Baldwin’s possible reckless actions in handling a loaded weapon. Notably, several other lawsuits stemming from the incident have already reached settlements.
Actor Alec Baldwin will face a civil trial in the alleged negligent shooting during the filming of Rust, which led to the death of cinematographer Halina Hutchins.The manslaughter case against Baldwin was dismissed in July 2024, after a judge ruled that prosecutors had withheld evidence.
But he still faces a number of lawsuits over the October 2021 shooting.
Gaffer claimed emotional distress from the shooting
According to Variety, Serge Svetnoy, a worker who was on set, claimed he suffered emotional distress due to neglect on the part of Baldwin and production.In his defense, Baldwin said he had no idea the gun was loaded with live ammunition, a serious violation of safety protocols, and that he did not pull the trigger.Svetnoy was not injured in the shooting, although he claimed he felt and heard a loud crack from the bullets.
The judge dismissed his assault claim, finding no evidence that Baldwin intended to harm anyone.
The judge allowed two of Gafer Serge Cvetnoy’s claims
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Morris Leiter on Friday allowed two of Svetnoy’s claims, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress, to proceed.“A reasonable jury could find that Mr. Baldwin recklessly disregarded the possibility that pointing a gun at someone, with his finger on the trigger, would cause emotional distress,” Leiter wrote in his summary ruling.
Regarding the negligence claim, Leiter wrote that while others were responsible for the safe handling and operation of the firearm on set, this “does not relieve Mr. Baldwin of his duty of care” to Svetnoy.
Other crew members also filed lawsuits, which have now been settled
According to 6 ABC, several lawsuits were filed in connection with the shooting, including suits filed by other “Rust” crew members and Hutchins’ husband that were ultimately settled without going to trial and admitting no wrongdoing.
How and when was the shooting done?
Hutchins was killed on October 21, 2021, when Baldwin shot her while practicing using a .45 Colt revolver. The backup gun, which Baldwin believed contained dummy rounds, actually contained a live round of ammunition. Director Joel Souza was also injured in the shooting, but has recovered from his injuries.Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on an external source.