'Horizon' Stunt Performer Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Kevin Costner and Film's Producers

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5 days ago

Kevin Costner is accused of directing an "unscripted" rape scene on the set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2
Stunt performer Devyn LaBella sued the actor and others in a sexual harassment lawsuit on Tuesday, May 27
Costner's attorneys have addressed the claims in a statement shared with PEOPLE, alleging that they have "absolutely no merit"Kevin Costner has been named in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a stunt performer who alleges she was subjected to an unscripted rape scene on the set of Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 in 2023.
Devyn LaBella claimed in the complaint — filed in the Superior Court of California for Los Angeles County on Tuesday, May 27, and obtained by PEOPLE — that she "was the victim of a violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene directed by Kevin Costner."
LaBella also included the production companies behind the movie as defendants in the lawsuit. She is suing for an undisclosed amount and wants a trial by jury.
LaBella was hired as a stunt double for Horizon 2's lead actress, Ella Hunt, under a SAG agreement, per the complaint. Her job was to stand in for Hunt "during physical scenes," including performing stunts.
The complaint notes that SAG does not allow "any last minute requests for nudity or simulated sex," and producers are required to give a 48-hour notice and get the performer's permission for any changes to intimate scenes. Hunt's contract also required her to have a "coordinator for all intimacy scenes."
LaBella alleged in her lawsuit that after filming Horizon 2 for "several weeks" and "without incident," she was told that "due to its very physical nature," she would step in as a double for "a scripted, aggressive and intimate rape scene" with Hunt's character Juliette and actor Douglas Smith's character Sig.
The scene was filmed on May 1, 2023, and after multiple takes, "wrapped" with "no issues," according to the lawsuit.
LaBella alleged in her filing that the next day, May 2, 2023, she was on set for a "non-intimate scene" as Hunt's stunt double. However, Costner, who was also on set, allegedly added a scene where a second actor, Roger Ivens, was supposed to, under Costner's direction, "climb on top of Ms. Hunt, violently raking up her skirt." LaBella alleged that the scene was not listed on the call sheet for that day. Ivens is not named as a defendant.
In the filing, LaBella claimed that after Hunt left the set, Costner asked her to "stand in" for the actress "without proper notice, consent, preparation, or appropriate safeguard measures in place" — a task she claims "was not within the scope of her role as a stunt double." LaBella also claimed in the filing that she wasn't aware that Hunt had walked off set after allegedly refusing to do the scene.
LaBella insisted in her lawsuit that she never gave consent for the alleged impromptu scene, which was much different than the planned, choreographed, and scripted scene that was filmed the day before. She also claimed that it was an open set, allowing "anyone" to walk in and "observe the scene being performed."
In the filing, LaBella alleged she didn't know when the scene began or ended, as Costner allegedly did not call out "action" or "cut." She also claimed stunt and intimacy coordinators were not informed that the scene was being taped.
Following the scene, LaBella emotionally broke down and experienced "reminders of shame, humiliation and complete lack of control," per the lawsuit. She took a few days off from set and later returned to an "awkward" environment. Per the filing, she was allegedly told to stay by herself in her trailer and not be on set, while others allegedly "made excuses" for Costner. She alleged this was her experience until production wrapped and she returned to Los Angeles.
LaBella said the alleged incident upended her career, "leaving her with permanent trauma that she will be required to address for years to come." She began therapy in June 2023 to address "symptoms" for her alleged experience such as "sleep disturbance, fears of intimacy" and "anxiety."
"On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism," LaBella said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry. As I continue performing and step into my journey of stunt coordination, I operate with a fierce commitment to upholding the highest standards, creating sets where safety, communication, and consent are non-negotiable. This experience has ignited in me a lifelong mission to be the advocate I once needed, ensuring no one else is ever left as vulnerable as I was."
Her attorney, James A. Vagnini, references the lawsuit as "emblematic of what is still a very deep rooted issue in Hollywood."
'This case is a clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production," LaBella's attorney Kate McFarlane adds to PEOPLE. "Our client was subjected to brutal sexual conduct completely unprotected from the obvious harm. This happened despite the fact that there exists standards of conduct and behavior specifically designed to protect people like Devyn LaBella.'
Costner's attorney Marty Singer vehemently denied the claims, telling PEOPLE that the actor "always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously." He says LaBella is a "serial accuser" and her claims have "absolutely no merit" and are "completely contradicted by her own actions — and the facts."
He accuses her of "shakedown tactics" and claims she approved the scene after rehearsing it with another actor, giving her stunt coordinator a "thumbs up." Singer says LaBella was "in good spirits" on the evening the scene was filmed and sent the stunt coordinator a text message expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
In the alleged text message shared with PEOPLE, LaBella added a cartwheel and heart hand emojis.
"The facts are clear and we are beyond confident that Kevin will prevail," Singer concludes.
LaBella is suing for damages and said she is calling out the alleged "continued failures" of Hollywood production companies in addressing "the impacts of performing sexually explicit and violent 'scenes'" as well as "the need for intimacy coordination."
Reps for Hunt and Ivens did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Read the original article on People