Kevin Costner, the renowned Hollywood actor, finds himself in the middle of a legal storm. A stuntwoman named Devyn LaBella has filed a lawsuit against him and his production companies over an alleged incident on the set of his Western film series, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.” LaBella claims she was coerced into performing a violent, unscripted scene without prior consent or the presence of an intimacy coordinator, which is a serious allegation in the film industry.
The lawsuit, lodged in the Superior Court of California for Los Angeles County, accuses the 70-year-old actor of creating a hostile work environment, alongside allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination. LaBella was working as a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt and is seeking damages for the emotional distress she says she suffered. The incident reportedly took place during filming in Utah in the spring of 2023.
LaBella’s complaint outlines an unexpected turn on set. She had been performing without issue when she was informed of an “aggressive and intimate rape scene” involving Hunt’s character, Juliette, and actor Douglas Smith’s character, Sig. This scene was filmed without any reported problems on May 1, 2023. But the situation took a dramatic turn the next day.
Allegedly, Costner directed a new scene requiring another actor, Roger Ivens, to perform an unscripted action on Hunt, which she refused to do. Hunt reportedly walked off the set in visible distress, leaving LaBella to step in unknowingly. The lawsuit claims that LaBella was asked to stand in without the necessary precautions or an intimacy coordinator present.
The scene was reportedly filmed in an open set environment, with the monitors broadcasting the action, unlike the controlled setting of the previous day’s shoot. LaBella describes the experience as traumatic, citing a lack of clear direction and confusion about when the scene began or ended. She claims that Costner failed to announce “action” or “cut” consistently, adding to her distress.
Following the incident, LaBella experienced a range of emotions, including shock and embarrassment, which led to emotional breakdowns on set. She was reportedly isolated from the production, instructed to remain in her trailer, and barred from appearing on set. This isolation only compounded her feelings of vulnerability and betrayal.
LaBella has since sought therapy to deal with the trauma, emphasizing the lack of protection she felt on that day. She expressed feeling exposed and unprotected by a system meant to ensure her safety and professionalism. Her experience has ignited a personal mission to advocate for better safety standards in the industry.
Meanwhile, Kevin Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has dismissed the allegations as meritless. Singer argued that Costner prioritizes safety on set and ensures everyone feels comfortable during filming. He pointed to LaBella’s own actions and communications as evidence that contradicts her claims.
Singer mentioned that LaBella had previously rehearsed the scene and gave her approval by signaling a “thumbs up” to the stunt coordinator. He also noted that she continued to work on the project for several weeks and even dined with the crew, raising no concerns at the time. A text message allegedly sent by LaBella thanking the team and expressing her happiness further undermines her current claims, according to Singer.
Costner’s legal team is confident in their defense, portraying LaBella as a serial accuser in the entertainment industry. They are adamant that such tactics will not succeed in this case. The lawsuit casts a shadow over Costner’s ambitious Horizon project, a four-part Western epic.
The first installment of the Horizon series hit theaters in June 2024, with Horizon 2 premiering at the Venice Film Festival later that year. Costner’s vision for the project remains undeterred by the ongoing legal proceedings, as he continues to champion the film’s themes and storytelling. Despite the legal challenges, the series has captured the interest of Western film enthusiasts.
As the legal battle unfolds, the entertainment world watches closely. The case raises important questions about safety standards and consent in the film industry. It’s a reminder of the complex dynamics at play behind the scenes of Hollywood’s grand productions.
For now, both sides are preparing for what promises to be a closely watched trial. The outcome could have significant implications for the industry and those who work within it. LaBella’s case against Costner underscores the ongoing conversations about workplace safety and respect in creative spaces.
Graduate Student, wife, engaged political and legal writer.