Los Angeles judge clears way for civil trial against Baldwin in ‘Rust’ case

A Los Angeles judge on Friday cleared the way for a civil trial against actor Alec Baldwin over the fatal 2021 shooting on the set of “Rust,” according to multiple reports.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maurice Leiter denied efforts by Baldwin and other producers to dismiss the lawsuit brought by gaffer — or chief electrician — Serge Svetnoy. The complaint alleges negligence on the actor’s part and emotional distress.

Svetnoy claimed he suffered severe trauma after witnessing the shooting, which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins after a prop gun Baldwin was holding fired a live round. The bullet also narrowly missed him, according to court filings cited by the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times.

In his ruling, Leiter said a “reasonable jury” could find that Baldwin acted with a “conscious disregard for the rights and safety of others through the ways........

© The Hill