Kevin Costner in legal trouble, stunt performer sues for 'unscripted, unscheduled' rape scene in 'Horizon' movie
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Hollywood is once again under scrutiny regarding set safety and consent as stunt performer Devyn LaBella has sued actor-director Kevin Costner for allegedly blindsiding her with a "violent, unscripted, unscheduled" rape scene when working on his Western-themed film series Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.LaBella, 34, is a veteran stunt double and former gymnast who has worked on big productions like Barbie and Yellowjackets. She was the stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt in the Horizon series. As the lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges, LaBella was suddenly asked to perform a sexually violent scene not listed on her call sheet and without an intimacy coordinator present or safety measures in place.The lawsuit recounts that the incident happened in May 2023, a day following a rehearsed sexual assault scene for which there were proper procedures—meetings, rehearsals, and an intimacy coordinator—in place. For the spontaneous one, however, LaBella charges she was instructed by Costner to work with a different male actor with no warning or notice. She was left "exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed" by the production team, according to the lawsuit.LaBella's lawsuit designates Costner, Horizon Series Inc. , Horizon Series 2 LLC, and Territory Pictures as defendants. The action charges sexual discrimination and harassment, retaliation, hostile work environment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and breach of contract. LaBella asks for damages that are not specified, an apology, and the defendants to be required to undergo anti-sexual harassment and violence training.Counter to this, Kevin Costner's lawyer, Marty Singer, released a statement refuting the charges: 'Our client Kevin Costner always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously. However, this claim by Devyn LaBella has absolutely no merit, and it is completely contradicted by her own actions—and the facts..' Singer went on to claim that LaBella had indicated her agreement with the stunt coordinator following a rehearsal and termed the suit "shakedown tactics.".The case has contributed to the turmoil that has already beset the Horizon franchise, which has experienced delays and legal troubles. LaBella's lawsuit highlights existing industry controversy regarding consent, safety, and treatment of stunt performers in high-risk scenes.
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