Alec Baldwin is once again facing legal trouble as he refused to attend a scheduled deposition in a civil lawsuit linked to the 2021 Rust shooting. The lawsuit was filed by Serge Svetnoy, a gaffer on the film, who claims he narrowly escaped being struck by the live round that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
According to court filings on September 10, Baldwin’s lawyers objected to the deposition, saying he should only have to testify once, with a single transcript covering both Svetnoy’s lawsuit and another case in New Mexico. They also said Svetnoy had been informed weeks earlier that Baldwin would not move forward without agreement for a joint session.
Svetnoy’s lawsuit accuses the production of negligence and unprofessionalism. He says the shooting left him with lasting emotional trauma after witnessing Hutchins’ death. Baldwin’s legal team has denied liability, arguing that he was told the gun was safe before the scene and that Svetnoy’s lack of physical injury weakens his case for damages.
The 67-year-old actor has already faced criminal charges of involuntary manslaughter, which were dismissed in July 2024 after questions were raised about evidence handling by prosecutors. A judge has since blocked any further attempts to reinstate those charges. Baldwin’s lawyers also pointed to a previous settlement with Hutchins’ family, arguing the matter should be considered closed.
Despite this, Svetnoy’s civil case is continuing, keeping Baldwin entangled in the legal aftermath of the tragic Rust shooting.
