Alec Baldwin sues 'Rust' prosecutors, accuses them of maliciously trying to make him a scapegoat

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Alec Baldwin has filed a lawsuit against Santa Fe special prosecutor Kari T Morrissey, First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, and others, accusing them of malicious prosecution and civil rights violations.

The legal action comes after multiple criminal charges were brought against Baldwin following the accidental death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of 'Rust.'

Alec Baldwin claims prosecution tried to make him a 'scapegoat'

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in New Mexico on January 9, alleges that prosecutors intentionally withheld evidence that could have cleared Alec Baldwin of involuntary manslaughter charges.

The lawsuit accuses the prosecution team of being “blinded by their desire to convict Baldwin for all the wrong reasons."

It further stated, “Defendants sought at every turn to scapegoat Baldwin for the acts and omissions of others, regardless of the evidence or the law.”

They added that the charges were brought to "maliciously bring about or advance," Baldwin's trial and conviction, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

In response, Morrissey commented, “In October 2023, the prosecution team became aware that Mr Baldwin intended to file a retaliatory civil lawsuit. We look forward to our day in court.”

Alec Baldwin’s attorneys say 'innocents should not be harassed'

Alec Baldwin’s lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, issued a joint statement addressing the misconduct allegations.

"Criminal prosecutions are supposed to be about the search for truth and justice, not to pursue personal or political gain or harass the innocent," they said.

"Kari Morrissey and the other defendants violated that basic principle, over and over, and trampled on Alec Baldwin's rights," they added. 

The charges against Baldwin stemmed from the October 2021 on-set tragedy that claimed Hutchins’ life and injured 'Rust' director Joel Souza.

While Baldwin denied pulling the trigger, he faced two counts of involuntary manslaughter in January 2023. He pleaded not guilty and the criminal charges were dropped in April 2023.

Alec Baldwin's trial was dismissed due to evidence misconduct 

Alec Baldwin was indicted for involuntary manslaughter a second time and headed to trial in July 2024.

His involuntary manslaughter trial was dismissed in July 2024 after Judge Mary Marlowein determined that police and prosecutors had withheld key ammunition evidence from the defense.

"There is no way for the court to right this wrong,” Baldwin’s attorney, Todd Sommer, told the court, adding that dismissal was the only fair remedy.

'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March 2024 and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Her appeal for a new trial was denied in September 2024.

Internet says Alec Baldwin has 'zero gratitude for getting away with murder'

Internet users expressed their opinion on Alec Baldwin's lawsuit against 'Rust' prosecutors, with some stating he was not grateful for getting away with murder.

"Zero gratitude for getting away with murder. Instead, demonstrates his narcissism by pursuing a lawsuit," wrote one on X.

Another urged, "Time for New Mexico to play serious hardball." One said, "He has no shame."

One, however, argued by writing, "Think he has a case. He was an actor, that wasn't his responsibility to make sure the gun was not loaded. Even though I would as a gun owner for my entire life, that was not his job."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online