Stunt Performer Files Lawsuit Against Kevin Costner
A stunt performer has taken legal action against Kevin Costner, claiming she was subjected to an unscripted rape scene without proper warning, consent, or safety protocols during the filming of his movie Horizon: An American Saga: Chapter 2. This lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, names Costner—who directed, starred in, and co-wrote the Western series—as well as the production companies involved.
The stunt performer, Devyn LaBella, alleges that the unexpected and unplanned scene caused her significant trauma, impacting her career and personal well-being. According to the complaint, the incident occurred during filming in May 2023 and violated industry standards and union agreements.
Details of the Incident and Production Context
LaBella, a former gymnast turned Hollywood stunt professional since 2020 with credits in major productions, served as the stunt double for one of the lead actors, Ella Hunt. The lawsuit explains that although a planned sexual assault scene was executed with proper preparation—including rehearsals, an intimacy coordinator, and limited crew—the following day featured an unscripted scene directed by Costner.
In this scene, an actor was instructed to pin LaBella down on a wagon and simulate rape without rehearsal or warning. The lawsuit claims Costner requested multiple takes, experimenting with the violent actions while failing to clearly signal when filming started or stopped. LaBella describes feeling trapped and helpless during the ordeal.
Allegations of Violated Safety Protocols
The suit argues that critical safeguards were ignored, breaching union rules and industry best practices designed to protect performers during sensitive scenes. It highlights how these lapses caused LaBella ongoing emotional distress, including sudden episodes of crying on set.
Costner’s Defense and Response
Costner’s legal counsel strongly contests the claims, labeling them as baseless and inconsistent with LaBella’s own behavior and the facts known to the production team. The attorney stated that the scene was fully explained to LaBella, who rehearsed it and signaled her readiness to proceed.
Furthermore, the defense points out that LaBella socialized with the stunt coordinators afterward, showed no signs of distress, and continued working on the project for weeks until completion. Text messages provided by the defense include one from LaBella expressing gratitude for her experience on the film.
Legal Claims and Requested Remedies
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and demands that the defendants undergo mandatory sexual harassment training. It also calls for the use of intimacy coordinators on future projects and requests a public apology to LaBella.
This controversy arises as Costner’s ambitious four-part Western saga, which took decades to develop, faces challenges. The first installment released in mid-2024 underperformed at the box office, delaying the immediate release of the second chapter.
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