A $25 million defamation lawsuit against actor Alec Baldwin has been dismissed.
NBC News reported the Wyoming judge did not rule on the merits of the lawsuit but declared the state lacked jurisdiction.
The lawsuit brought by family members of the late Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum alleges the actor falsely connected his sister to the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot.
The outlet noted Rylee J. McCollum was one of the 13 service members killed in Afghanistan in August of 2021.
According to the lawsuit, Baldwin gave $5,000 to Rylee J. McCollum’s wife after his death, as NBC News reported.
The suit claims Rylee J. McCollum’s sister, Roice McCollum, “was never detained, arrested, accused of or charged with any crime” related to the riot.
She reportedly received “hundreds upon hundreds” of hateful messages.
Additionally, her sister and Rylee J. McCollum’s widow allegedly received hateful messages.
In a post to Roice McCollum, Baldwin acknowledged the online backlash.
“There are hateful things toward you that are wrong,” Baldwin allegedly wrote.
He added, “Irony was my point. The irony of sincerely wanting to honor your brother and the fact you are an insurrectionist.”
Supporters criticized Baldwin for regretting his donation.
He reacted, saying, “I gratefully supported the gofundme campaign while simultaneously not knowing the woman I approached is an insurrectionist.”
Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas, issued a statement responding to the ruling.
“This is a significant step toward the complete dismissal of the lawsuit, which seeks to punish Mr. Baldwin for expressing his political opinion,” Nikas said.
The McCollums’ attorney, Dennis Postiglione, said they are going to “refile in the jurisdiction where he can be sued.”
He added, “It’s not the end of the story by any means.”
