Rust Shooting Victim Slams Alec Baldwin's Deposition Dodging

As of November 18, 2025, actor Alec Baldwin is facing backlash for his refusal to appear for a deposition in the ongoing Rust shooting lawsuit, despite making time to attend a taping of Dancing with the Stars to support his wife Hilaria.

The legal drama stems from a lawsuit filed by Serge Svetnoy, a gaffer on the 2024 film Rust, who has been attempting to depose Baldwin since March of this year. According to Svetnoy's lawyer, Baldwin and other defendants have repeatedly claimed unavailability or simply refused to testify, despite the fact that Baldwin was able to travel to Los Angeles in October to attend a DWTS taping.

Svetnoy, who was traumatized after witnessing the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the Rust set, has accused Baldwin of causing him emotional distress. The criminal charges against Baldwin were dropped in July 2024, but the civil lawsuit remains ongoing.

Svetnoy's lawyer has expressed frustration with the delays, stating that Baldwin's actions are akin to "the definition of insanity" and that the victim has been patient and cooperative throughout the process. The lawyer argues that Baldwin's prioritization of the DWTS appearance over the deposition is unacceptable and further delays the resolution of the case.