Actor Alec Baldwin has declined to participate in a scheduled deposition related to a civil lawsuit over the 2021 Rust shooting incident.
The case was filed by film gaffer Serge Svetnoy, who was on set when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot. Svetnoy claims the live round fired from Baldwin’s prop gun came dangerously close to hitting him.
Court documents submitted on September 10 show that Baldwin’s legal team objected to multiple depositions. They argued that the actor should testify only once and that a single transcript should cover both Svetnoy’s case and a related lawsuit in New Mexico. Baldwin’s team said they had informed Svetnoy weeks earlier that they would not proceed without agreement from all parties for a unified session.
Svetnoy has accused the film production of negligence and unprofessional conduct. He also claims the incident caused lasting emotional distress. Baldwin’s attorneys, however, rejected any responsibility, stating the actor had been assured the firearm was safe before filming the scene. They added that the absence of physical injury weakens Svetnoy’s claim for compensation.
The 67-year-old Baldwin has faced previous legal challenges related to the Rust shooting. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the charges were dismissed in July 2024 due to alleged mishandling of evidence. A judge also blocked attempts to revisit the criminal case. Baldwin’s legal team highlights a prior agreement with Hutchins’ family as a reason to consider the issue resolved.
Despite Baldwin’s refusal to participate in this deposition, Svetnoy’s civil case continues to progress. The lawsuit keeps attention on the ongoing legal repercussions of the Rust shooting incident and Baldwin’s role in the controversy.
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