Alec Baldwin seeks dismissal of ‘Rust’ lawsuit

Alec Baldwin’s attorneys argued in a filing on Monday that a lawsuit stemming from the ‘Rust’ shooting in October should be thrown out because the shooting was a workplace accident, reports Variety.

The filing marks the first time that Baldwin’s lawyers have laid out a legal argument for why he is not responsible in the October 21 incident, which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. The Santa Fe County (NM) Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, and no criminal charges have been filed.

The filing comes in response to a suit brought by Mamie Mitchell, the film’s script supervisor, against Baldwin and other producers and crew members on November 17. Mitchell was standing just a few feet away from Baldwin when he fired the gun and was the first to call 911. She alleges that she suffered pain and ringing in her ears as well as emotional injuries.

Baldwin’s attorneys argue that any recompense must come exclusively from New Mexico’s workers compensation system, which covers on-the-job accidents.

Mitchell’s suit stated allegations of assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress and deliberate infliction of harm.