Alec Baldwin loses attempt to stay a lawsuit in ‘Rust’ battle as actor may face new criminal charges
A judge denied a motion to dismiss the civil lawsuit brought against Baldwin in August
By Stephanie Giang-Paunon Fox News
Published September 16, 2023 12:24pm EDT
The key gaffer on the indie-western film "Rust" has moved forward with the lawsuit against Alec Baldwin for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Baldwin lost his attempt to stay a lawsuit as his legal team argued that the special prosecution in the case is actively considering filing new charges against the actor – leaving him in possible criminal jeopardy.
Baldwin’s lawyer noted that the court adjourned the scheduling conference in the case until November. The plaintiffs agreed not to serve discovery in the near term, and the court said that Baldwin’s legal team is permitted to refile the motion if circumstances change.
His lawyers added that they "believe that’s not enough time."
"We’re pleased with the Court’s practical approach, which delayed scheduling next steps in the case until November and therefore gave us exactly the protection we sought," Baldwin's lawyer, Luke Nikas, told Fox News Digital.
Last month, the judge also denied a motion to stay civil action pending resolution of criminal proceedings, but Judge Bryan Biedscheid explained that this could be re-examined as the case continues.
Despite Biedscheid noting the concern regarding Baldwin's Fifth Amendment rights, he denied the motion and explained that the actor's legal team could possibly file protective orders in the future or assert the "30 Rock" actor's Fifth Amendment right.
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https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/alec-baldwin-loses-attempt-stay-lawsuit-rust-battle-actor-may-face-new-criminal-charges
