Full Breakdown
Seth Kenney Sues Alec Baldwin Over 'Rust' Shooting Incident
10/31/2025, 11:08:52 PM
Overview of the Lawsuit
Seth Kenney, the owner of PDQ Arm & Prop, has filed a lawsuit against Alec Baldwin and several others involved in the production of the film "Rust," following the tragic shooting incident that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021. The lawsuit, filed in New Mexico on October 22, 2025, accuses Baldwin and the production team of defaming Kenney and scapegoating him for the incident, which has severely impacted his career and reputation.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
Kenney claims that Baldwin and other defendants orchestrated a "nation-wide false light scapegoat smear campaign" to distance themselves from the negative publicity surrounding the shooting. He alleges that they utilized "cutthroat industry Hollywood 'fixers'" and media outlets to deflect blame onto him. The lawsuit seeks compensation for what Kenney describes as "ruinous financial losses" and emotional distress stemming from the incident and its aftermath.
Kenney asserts that he supplied the Colt .45 revolver used in the shooting and that he had adhered to safety protocols. He contends that the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, ignored warnings about safety practices and was responsible for the presence of live ammunition on set. Kenney's complaint also highlights that Gutierrez-Reed had previously expressed a desire to use live ammunition, which he warned against.
Background Context
The shooting incident on the set of "Rust" led to significant legal repercussions. Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served 14 months in prison. Baldwin faced criminal charges, which were ultimately dismissed due to withheld evidence. Kenney, who served as a key prosecution witness in both trials, claims that he has been unable to find work in the film industry since the incident, attributing this to the fallout from the accusations against him.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Kenney's claims may argue that the presence of live rounds on set indicates a failure in his responsibilities as a supplier. Additionally, Gutierrez-Reed had previously filed a lawsuit against Kenney, alleging that he was responsible for introducing live ammunition to the set, although this suit was later dropped.
Official Statements & Responses
While Baldwin's legal team has not commented on Kenney's lawsuit, they have previously argued that Kenney was not investigated due to his status as a prosecution witness. Baldwin has also filed a separate lawsuit against New Mexico officials for malicious prosecution, asserting that he was unfairly targeted in the investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Defendants, individually and collectively, in an effort to distance themselves from the 'Rust' criminal investigation and onslaught of negative publicity, conspired to paint Plaintiffs in a nation-wide false light scapegoat smear campaign,” — Seth Kenney, Owner of PDQ Arm & Prop
- “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.” — Seth Kenney, Owner of PDQ Arm & Prop
What's Next
Kenney's lawsuit is set to proceed in federal court, where he hopes to uncover more details about Baldwin's alleged media strategies that he claims have harmed his reputation. Baldwin is also scheduled to be deposed in a separate civil suit filed by Hutchins' family on November 12, 2025.
