Criminal Justice
Alec Baldwin headed back to trial for ‘Rust’ negligence lawsuit
This aerial photo shows the movie set of “Rust” at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in October 2021. (Photo by Jae C. Hong/The Associated Press)
Actor Alec Baldwin’s summary judgment request regarding a negligence case brought by the chief lighting technician who worked on the 2025 film Rust was largely denied Friday by a California state court judge.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maurice Leiter ruled that plaintiff Serge Svetnoy could not make the claim of assault against Baldwin regarding the accidental shooting in 2021 that killed Halyna Hutchins, who was the film’s director of photography.
Regarding the assault charge against the actor, Svetnoy “presents no evidence that Mr. Baldwin intended to cause harm,” the judge said, according to coverage by Law360.
The lawsuit’s claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence claims could move forward.
Svetnoy sued Baldwin in 2021, stating that the bullet that killed Hutchins came close to striking him. He said there was negligence regarding the procurement of firearms on the set and staffing issues. Baldwin’s summary judgment argued that Svetnoy lacked evidence that the actor was responsible for safety on the set, safeguarding props or staffing employees.
The trial is set for Oct. 12.
See also:
Prosecutors face obstacles in prosecution of Alec Baldwin and armorer for cinematographer’s death
‘Rust’ and a look at criminal liability on movie sets
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