Alec Baldwin Objects Deposition Date in Rust Civil Suit

Alec Baldwin is refusing to appear for a deposition scheduled for September 19, 2025, related to a lawsuit filed by Serge Svetnoy, a gaffer who witnessed the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the Rust film set. Baldwin's legal team argues that he should only be deposed once, with the transcript to serve both Svetnoy’s lawsuit in California and a separate case pending in New Mexico, and they will seek a protective order to avoid duplicative questioning. Svetnoy’s lawsuit alleges emotional distress caused by negligence and unprofessionalism on set, though Baldwin denies wrongdoing and points to a settlement with Hutchins’ family as resolution. Criminal charges against Baldwin were dropped in July 2024 due to prosecutorial misconduct, and an attempt to reopen the manslaughter case was rejected by a judge in October 2024. Baldwin’s lawyers state they will schedule the deposition at a mutually convenient time once all parties agree to the single deposition arrangement. Svetnoy’s attorneys emphasize Baldwin’s deposition is critical for testimony about negligence, punitive damages, and events before and during the shooting, highlighting Baldwin’s unique role as actor and producer.