Kevin Costner Hit With Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Over 'Violent, Unscripted' Scene On Film Set

Yahoo

4 days ago

Kevin Costner has been dragged into a sexual harassment lawsuit by a stunt performer for his Western epic "Horizon." Devyn LaBella accused the actor of subjecting her to a "violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene" on the set of the film without proper notice, and wants a trial by jury.
Costner's lawyer Marty Singer has slammed LaBella as a "serial accuser," noting that her claims have "absolutely no merit" and expressing confidence in clearing the actor's name.
The film has also been embroiled in a legal battle between Kevin Costner's company, Horizon Series, and New Line Cinema over their co-financing agreement.
A stunt performer has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against actor and director Kevin Costner, along with the producers of his epic Western film, "Horizon: An American Saga."
In court documents obtained by People Magazine, Devyn LaBella, who acted as the stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt, claimed that she was made to perform an unscripted rape scene without notice on the set of the second installment, "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2" back in May 2023.
The filing, which was made in the Superior Court of California for Los Angeles County on Tuesday, May 27, claims LaBella was hired to stand in for Hunt "during physical scenes," as well as for any stunts, as per SAG agreement.
However, she claims that she never consented to the scene in question and has been left with "permanent trauma" from the situation, which was seemingly worsened by the absence of an intimacy coordinator on set.
According to LaBella's complaint, any "last-minute requests for nudity or simulated sex" are not allowed by SAG, and the film's producers ought to have given a 48-hour notice of any changes. As per SAG stipulations, the performer's permission is also required should any changes arise as related to intimate scenes.
The documents stated that Hunt's contract required a "coordinator for all intimacy scenes," but weeks into filming, and "without incident," LaBella was told to stand in for the actress during a "scripted, aggressive and intimate rape scene" due to its "physical nature."
The lawsuit stated that the scene, which was between Hunt's character Juliette and actor Douglas Smith's character Sig, was filmed on May 1, 2023, and after multiple takes, "wrapped" with "no issues."
However, the next day, she was seemingly thrown off guard when Costner allegedly added a scene where a second actor, Roger Ivens, was supposed to "climb on top of Ms. Hunt, violently raking up her skirt."
Hunt reportedly refused to film the scene and even walked off set before Costner asked LaBella to "stand in" for her "without proper notice, consent, preparation, or appropriate safeguard measures in place." She added in the suit that the task "was not within the scope of her role as a stunt double."
LaBella claims that she didn't know when the scene began or ended, as Costner allegedly didn't call out "action" or "cut."
After filming, she explained that she was left with trauma and experienced "reminders of shame, humiliation, and complete lack of control."
The filing states that she took a few days off but later returned to an "awkward" environment, after which she was told to remain in her trailer and not be on set, explaining that others allegedly "made excuses" for Costner.
She claims that the alleged incident greatly affected her career, "leaving her with permanent trauma that she will be required to address for years to come."
LaBella began therapy in June 2023 to address "symptoms" of 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," she told People Magazine in a statement.
She added, "What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry."
Meanwhile, Costner's attorney Marty Singer has denied LaBella's claims, explaining that the "Yellowstone" actor always wants to "make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously."
Singer went on to slam LaBella as a "serial accuser" and that her claims have "absolutely no merit" and are "completely contradicted by her own actions — and the facts."
He also accused her of "shakedown tactics" and claimed that she had approved the alleged scene and even rehearsed it with another actor before filming.
He explained that she was in "good spirits" after filming and was quite grateful for the opportunity, as evidenced by a text she allegedly sent to the film's stunt coordinator.
"The facts are clear and we are beyond confident that Kevin will prevail," Singer concluded.