A US judge has denied Alec Baldwin’s motion to dismiss a civil lawsuit brought against him by crew members of the Rust movie. The lawsuit claims Baldwin and the production company behind the film caused “intentional emotional distress” and “physical trauma” to crew members as a result of negligence and “recklessness.” The lawsuit was filed by Ross Addiego, Doran Curtin, and Reese Price, who alleged that they sustained injuries during the incident as a result of the “failure to follow industry safety rules.”
According to the lawsuit, Baldwin and the production company ignored reports of multiple, unscripted firearms discharges and persisted in prioritizing finishing the film over ensuring a safe working environment. The lawsuit claims that the crew members are entitled to damages for their injuries caused by Baldwin’s and the production company’s negligent and reckless conduct.
Alec Baldwin’s lawyers argued that the crew members did not suffer physical harm in the incident and that claims of emotional distress failed to plead facts to establish extreme and outrageous conduct or intent. However, Judge Bryan Biedscheid denied the motion, finding that the lawsuit presents a robust case with detailed factual allegations.
Alec Baldwin (Via Alec Baldwin/Twitter)
The incident in question occurred on the set of Rust in October 2021, when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by a prop gun held by Baldwin. The judge’s denial of Baldwin’s motion to dismiss does not necessarily mean that he is guilty of any wrongdoing, but rather that the lawsuit has sufficient grounds to proceed to further evidence examination and hearing.
A discovery hearing is scheduled to take place in the future, where further evidence will be examined. It comes after it was announced that the trial of Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will take place in February 2024, with both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed previously facing charges of involuntary manslaughter following the fatal shooting.
