"The man should let it go"— Internet reacts to Alec Baldwin suing prosecutors of his Rust shooting trial
On January 9, 2025, Alec Baldwin filed a lawsuit against New Mexico prosecutors and law enforcement officials six months after the dismissal of involuntary manslaughter charges against him. The lawsuit alleges malicious prosecution and violations of his civil rights in connection to the tragic 2021 "Rust" shooting, as reported by People.
Baldwin, 66, filed the civil complaint naming special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, and members of the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office as defendants. The complaint accuses the parties of:
"malicious abuse of process, intentional spoliation of evidence, defamation, and violation of the New Mexico Civil Rights Act."
The lawsuit has drawn reactions from the public. Many on social media have weighed in on whether Baldwin's legal action is justified or unnecessary. One Reddit user said:
"The man should let it go and let the woman's family have peace without more headlines. If he had simply been an actor on the set, that's one thing. But he was a producer. It changes his level of responsibility and accountability."
Some netizens opined the actor should take the win.
"Take the W and hibernate my dude," another user commented.
"Tbh he should," someone added.
Others were less supportive, pointing out the casualty.
"It’s absurd. A human being died. Maybe prosecutor was misguided and wanted to make a name for herself, but fact is, he held the gun they killed said victim," a person shared.
"I wish it was a meaningless point but this kind of crap happens all the time to much less visible people who don’t get the 'victory' like Baldwin did," another added.
"Agreed. Calling himself an escape goat, yet he pulled the trigger. God forbid he hold responsibility," another shared.
Alec Baldwin's lawsuit and its claims
The lawsuit follows Alec Baldwin's indictment in January 2024 for involuntary manslaughter after the October 2021 "Rust" incident, where a prop gun discharged and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The charges were dismissed in July 2024 after Baldwin's legal team accused prosecutors of withholding evidence.
Alec Baldwin's legal team argued the defendants were "blinded by their desire to convict" the actor at any cost. According to the lawsuit, the prosecution mishandled evidence and delivered inconsistent testimony while defaming Baldwin in public statements. As per a report by People, his lawyers, Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas emphasized:
"Criminal prosecutions are supposed to be about the search for truth and justice, not to pursue personal or political gain or harass the innocent."
In response, Morrissey stated:
"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 has consistently maintained that he was unaware the prop gun contained live rounds and that he was assured it was safe to use. After the charges were dismissed in July 2024, prosecutors dropped their notice to appeal in December, effectively ending the criminal case.
Alec Baldwin's lawsuit now aims to hold the prosecutors and investigators accountable for their alleged misconduct. Baldwin is suing for compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys' fees.
