Alec Baldwin has initiated a civil lawsuit against New Mexico prosecutors and law enforcement officials, claiming malicious prosecution and violations of his civil rights in the case regarding the tragic shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of Rust. Baldwin's lawsuit was filed in the First Judicial District of Santa Fe, following the abrupt dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter charges against him last July, which was attributed to the withholding of crucial evidence by the prosecution ([New York Times]).

In the lawsuit, Baldwin's legal representatives allege that special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, along with several detectives from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, conspired to scapegoat Baldwin and failed to follow proper legal procedures. The suit asserts that these parties were “blinded by their desire to convict” Baldwin "for all the wrong reasons" ([CNN]).

The lawsuit details episodes where prosecutors allegedly manipulated evidence and withheld information that could exonerate Baldwin. The actor and co-producer described himself as a "scapegoat" as his team accused the prosecution of an "improper use of the criminal process" ([CBS News]).

Baldwin's legal team highlighted that the prosecution not only suppressed exculpatory evidence, but also presented misinformation to the media, which contributed to the stigma associated with Baldwin’s involvement in the case. “Criminal prosecutions are supposed to be about the search for truth and justice, not to pursue personal or political gain,” stated Baldwin's attorneys, emphasizing their intention to seek accountability ([AP News]).

The legal complaint specifies damages from the actions of the prosecutors and calls for a jury trial. Baldwin maintains that their misconduct has inflicted trauma upon him, stating, “Although no verdict in this civil case can undo the trauma that the state’s threat of conviction has inflicted, Baldwin has filed this action to hold the defendants responsible for their violations” ([Reuters]).

As Baldwin navigates this complex legal battle, the film Rust has remained mired in controversy. Last year, film armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the incident and is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence. The situation has sparked extensive discourse on film set safety and the regulations surrounding firearm usage ([USA Today]).

For more detailed coverage of the unfolding story, visit the original articles from [BBC], [The Guardian], and [The Daily Beast].