alec baldwin rust set shooting suit.

A New Mexico judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by actor Alec Baldwin for malicious prosecution in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western movie “Rust.” The judge in a ruling made public Wednesday dismissed the case without prejudice for lack of any significant action with the claim. Baldwin’s attorneys say settlement discussions have been ongoing and that they have been waiting to prosecute the case pending the outcome of those talks. Baldwin had alleged defamation, saying that prosecutors and investigators intentionally mishandled evidence. A judge last summer dismissed a charge of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin in the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.