A Los Angeles Superior Court judge issued a landmark ruling Friday, ordering actor-producer Alec Baldwin to stand trial in a civil case in October — a decision that comes nearly five years after the fatal on-set shooting on the film Rust that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Judge Leiter wrote bluntly in his ruling: “A reasonable jury could find that Mr. Baldwin recklessly disregarded the probability that pointing a gun in the direction of someone, with the finger on the trigger, would cause emotional distress.”
The court greenlit claims for punitive damages, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress to move forward to trial.
In July 2024, a New Mexico court dismissed the involuntary manslaughter criminal case against Baldwin after finding that prosecutors had withheld evidence from the defense. But the civil legal battles pressed on. Beyond Svetnoy, script supervisor Mamie Mitchell and the Hutchins family are among multiple parties who have filed lawsuits against Baldwin and the production.
Svetnoy’s attorney John Upton told reporters outside the courthouse: “We’re pleased with the court’s decision. Guns generally do not shoot themselves — Mr. Baldwin was the last line of defense.” The statement puts Hollywood’s on-set safety standards squarely back in the crosshairs.
The trial had originally been scheduled to begin May 26, but both sides requested a lengthy continuance to pursue further discovery and explore a possible settlement. Judge Leiter drew a hard line, setting the trial for October 12 and stating plainly: “I’m a little concerned about this case going on and on and on when it should be coming to a resolution.” The lawsuit was first filed in November 2021.
