Alec Baldwin Sued by ‘Rust’ Prop Company Owner Alleging Actor Made Him ‘Scapegoat’ in Deadly On-Set Shooting
The tragic shooting on the set of the Western film “Rust” in 2021, which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, continues to reverberate through Hollywood and the legal system. Recently, Alec Baldwin, the film’s lead actor and co-producer, has been sued by Seth Kenney, the owner of PDQ Arm & Prop, the company that supplied props to the production. Kenney alleges that Baldwin and other producers orchestrated a national media campaign that unfairly cast him as the scapegoat for the deadly incident. This lawsuit adds another complex layer to the ongoing fallout from the tragic event.
Alec Baldwin and the ‘Rust’ Prop Company Lawsuit: The Allegations
Seth Kenney, whose company PDQ Arm & Prop provided the blank and dummy rounds used on the “Rust” set, filed a lawsuit claiming that Baldwin and the film’s producers engaged in a deliberate effort to shift blame onto him. According to Kenney, this campaign involved Hollywood “fixers” and media manipulation designed to portray him in a false and damaging light.
Kenney asserts that this strategy has caused him significant financial losses and irreparable harm to his professional reputation. He claims that the negative publicity has made it impossible for him to secure new work in the industry. The lawsuit also highlights that after production wrapped, the “Rust” team failed to pay for the use of one of Kenney’s rental properties and left his inventory in police custody, further exacerbating his losses.
The prop company owner is seeking compensation for the damages he claims to have suffered and has requested additional punitive damages should the court find Baldwin and others acted with malice or recklessness.
Background of the ‘Rust’ Shooting Incident and Prop Company Involvement
The fatal shooting occurred on October 21, 2021, when a live round was discharged from a prop gun handled by Alec Baldwin during filming. The incident killed Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. Investigations revealed that live rounds were found at PDQ Arm & Prop’s facility, but prosecutors have stated these rounds did not match the live bullet that caused the tragedy.
During the trial of Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film’s armorer, prosecutors presented evidence that live rounds were present on set before Kenney’s dummy rounds arrived. This timeline has been a critical point in the legal proceedings, as it challenges the narrative that Kenney’s company was responsible for the live ammunition.
Kenney has expressed deep frustration with how the situation has unfolded, telling Variety in 2025, “It’s been devastating. It’s not a matter of saving face. There’s nothing left to lose. This whole thing has been s—, and I have been the scapegoat.”
Legal Battles Between Alec Baldwin and New Mexico Officials
The lawsuit filed by Kenney follows Alec Baldwin’s own legal action against New Mexico officials, which he initiated in January. Baldwin’s lawsuit accuses prosecutors and investigators of malicious prosecution and defamation, suggesting that he was unfairly targeted for political or professional reasons.
Baldwin’s legal team has argued that Kenney’s company inadvertently included live rounds with the dummy ammunition supplied to the “Rust” production. They also pointed out that Kenney was not investigated thoroughly due to his role as a prosecution witness, raising questions about the fairness of the investigation.
Kenney has publicly questioned Baldwin’s motives, asking, “Why is he trying to paint me out to be this villain?” He has emphasized his desire to tell his side of the story and clear his name.
The actor’s lawsuit was initially dismissed in July but was later reinstated and moved to federal court. The defendants, including special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, have argued that the matter falls under federal jurisdiction due to constitutional and legal considerations.
Impact on Industry and Public Perception
The legal disputes surrounding the “Rust” shooting have drawn significant media attention and sparked widespread debate about safety protocols on film sets and accountability in the entertainment industry. The allegations made by Kenney against Baldwin highlight the complexities of assigning blame in such tragic circumstances.
This case also underscores the challenges faced by smaller companies and individuals caught in the crossfire of high-profile incidents. The reputational damage and financial hardships experienced by Kenney illustrate the broader consequences beyond the immediate tragedy.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Seth Kenney against Alec Baldwin over the “Rust” shooting tragedy reveals the intricate and contentious legal battles that continue to unfold years after the incident. Allegations of scapegoating and media manipulation add to the ongoing discourse about responsibility and justice in the entertainment industry. As this case progresses, it will be crucial for all parties to seek transparency and accountability.
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