Latest news with #Devyn
Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Kevin Costner's lawyer slams 'meritless' sexual harassment claims against the actor
Kevin Costner's lawyer slams 'meritless' sexual harassment claims against the actor The Yellowstone actor is being sued by Devyn LaBella (Image: PARAMOUNT ) Kevin Costner's lawyer has described of sexual harassment allegation against the actor as "meritless". The Yellowstone actor is being sued by Devyn LaBella, who has claimed she was subjected to a "violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene" without notice on set in May 2023 while filming Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The 24--year-old stuntwoman's team first filed the lawsuit against Costner and Horizon producers last month and have now filed an amended complaint including text messages with the movie's intimacy coordinator, and the alleged emotions she felt after the scene. In response, Costner's lawyer Marty Singer told in a statement: "Ms. LaBella was doing a rehearsal on an Insert Shot for a scripted scene. There was no intimacy or anything sexual in the shot. "There was tugging on a dress while she was fully clothed in a dress with long bloomers lying down next to a male actor." The lawyer has also alleged that LaBella - who was a stunt double for series star Ella Hunt - thanked her supervisor for "these wonderful weeks" after finishing work on the Western saga. Article continues below Singer continued: "Numerous witnesses have contradicted Ms. LaBella's meritless claims. "She herself texted her supervisor after she wrapped stating, 'Thank you for these wonderful weeks.' "We look forward to the swift end of this specious lawsuit.' Court documents obtained by say Devyn was hired as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt and not informed or consented to the added scene, which she alleges caused "permanent trauma". She also claimed the absence of an intimacy coordinator during filming. Her suit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, states the scene was not on the call sheet and Hunt herself refused to perform it, allegedly walking off set. She added Kevin directed actor Roger Ivens to perform the assault scene and asked her to stand in without adequate preparation or safeguards. Kevin's attorney Marty Singer denied the allegations, calling her a "serial accuser" and accusing her of "shakedown tactics". He stated: "Kevin always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously." He also said Devyn had approved and rehearsed a prior intimate scene and was "in good spirits" afterwards. Devyn, whose credits include Barbie (2023) and FX's American Horror Stories, said in a statement to People: "On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism." She added she sought therapy for anxiety and sleep disturbances after the incident and vowed to advocate for safer sets. Article continues below Her attorneys, James A. Vagnini and Kate McFarlane, described the case as "emblematic of what is still a very deep rooted issue in Hollywood" and "a clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production."
Perth Now
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Kevin Costner's lawyer slams 'meritless' sexual harassment claims against the actor
Kevin Costner's lawyer has described of sexual harassment allegation against the actor as "meritless". The Yellowstone actor is being sued by Devyn LaBella, who has claimed she was subjected to a 'violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene' without notice on set in May 2023 while filming Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The 24--year-old stuntwoman's team first filed the lawsuit against Costner and Horizon producers last month and have now filed an amended complaint including text messages with the movie's intimacy coordinator, and the alleged emotions she felt after the scene. In response, Costner's lawyer Marty Singer told in a statement: "Ms. LaBella was doing a rehearsal on an Insert Shot for a scripted scene. There was no intimacy or anything sexual in the shot. "There was tugging on a dress while she was fully clothed in a dress with long bloomers lying down next to a male actor." The lawyer has also alleged that LaBella - who was a stunt double for series star Ella Hunt - thanked her supervisor for "these wonderful weeks" after finishing work on the Western saga. Singer continued: "Numerous witnesses have contradicted Ms. LaBella's meritless claims. "She herself texted her supervisor after she wrapped stating, 'Thank you for these wonderful weeks.' "We look forward to the swift end of this specious lawsuit.' Court documents obtained by say Devyn was hired as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt and not informed or consented to the added scene, which she alleges caused 'permanent trauma'. She also claimed the absence of an intimacy coordinator during filming. Her suit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, states the scene was not on the call sheet and Hunt herself refused to perform it, allegedly walking off set. She added Kevin directed actor Roger Ivens to perform the assault scene and asked her to stand in without adequate preparation or safeguards. Kevin's attorney Marty Singer denied the allegations, calling her a 'serial accuser' and accusing her of 'shakedown tactics'. He stated: 'Kevin always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.' He also said Devyn had approved and rehearsed a prior intimate scene and was 'in good spirits' afterwards. Devyn, whose credits include Barbie (2023) and FX's American Horror Stories, said in a statement to People: 'On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism.' She added she sought therapy for anxiety and sleep disturbances after the incident and vowed to advocate for safer sets. Her attorneys, James A. Vagnini and Kate McFarlane, described the case as 'emblematic of what is still a very deep rooted issue in Hollywood' and 'a clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production.'
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Kevin Costner opens up about ‘drama' of working with women
Kevin Costner has opened up about the 'drama' of working with women. The Yellowstone actor made the remarks in the wake of being sued by a stunt double in his latest film Horizon over the inclusion of an alleged 'violent' and 'unscripted' rape scene. Appearing at a question and answer session with Michael Strahan at the Fanatics Fest in New York City on Friday (20.06.25), Kevin was asked by the 53-year-old Good Morning America host how he has been able to work romantic storylines into his sports and western films. He said: 'But movies for me, you just can't have a movie without having a girl. 'These movies, even in my westerns when I did Horizon, it's dominated by women. It's just dominated by, and I just think they made for the best movies, the games we play and the professional athletes, it is a three-hour day for them. 'They basically practice the entire year, but they have these lives outside the lines of what they play. And that's where a lot of drama takes place.' His remarks come amid a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him and the producers of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 by Devyn LaBella, 28, a stunt double who claims she was subjected to a 'violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene' without notice on set in May 2023. Court documents obtained by say Devyn was hired as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt and not informed or consented to the added scene, which she alleges caused 'permanent trauma'. She also claimed the absence of an intimacy coordinator during filming. Her suit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, states the scene was not on the call sheet and Hunt herself refused to perform it, allegedly walking off set. She added Kevin directed actor Roger Ivens to perform the assault scene and asked her to stand in without adequate preparation or safeguards. Kevin's attorney Marty Singer denied the allegations, calling her a 'serial accuser' and accusing her of 'shakedown tactics'. He stated: 'Kevin always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.' He also said Devyn had approved and rehearsed a prior intimate scene and was 'in good spirits' afterwards. Devyn, whose credits include Barbie (2023) and FX's American Horror Stories, said in a statement to People: 'On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism.' She added she sought therapy for anxiety and sleep disturbances after the incident and vowed to advocate for safer sets. Her attorneys, James A. Vagnini and Kate McFarlane, described the case as 'emblematic of what is still a very deep rooted issue in Hollywood' and 'a clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production.'
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kevin Costner sued by stuntwoman over filming ‘violent' rape scene in Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2
A stunt performer has filed a lawsuit against Hollywood star Kevin Costner and the producers of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, alleging she was compelled to participate in a 'violent' unscripted rape scene without receiving the necessary notice, consent, or the presence of a required intimacy coordinator. Devyn LaBella was the lead stunt double for actor Ella Hunt, who plays Juliette in the four-part western anthology written, directed by, and starring Kevin. A post shared by Kevin Costner (@kevincostner) The lawsuit, filed in California on Tuesday, claims that in May 2023, Kevin improvised a rape scene involving Juliette, occurring just one day after Ella and Devyn had filmed a scripted rape scene involving a different character. The suit states that Hunt refused to perform the newly improvised scene, and Devyn was called to the set without being informed that Ella had declined and left. Devyn says she was not warned that the male actor had been directed to 'mount her, pin her down and violently rake up her skirt.' The complaint alleges that Kevin instructed her to 'lay down' in a wagon before directing the male actor 'to repeatedly perform a violent simulated rape' while Kevin 'experimented with different takes of the rape action.' Devyn's lawsuit contends this scene violated contractual guidelines negotiated by the performers' union SAG-AFTRA, which require 48 hours' notice and performer consent for any scenes involving nudity or simulated sex. Devyn claims she did not receive proper notice and did not consent, as per her contract. She also asserts that the film's intimacy coordinator was absent, a requirement under Hunt's contract and applicable to Devyn as her stunt double. The lawsuit further alleges that the set was not closed during filming, despite rules mandating only a minimal crew be present for sensitive scenes involving nudity, sex, or rape. It claims 'the scene was broadcast publicly on monitors for the entire crew to witness … anyone could walk by and observe the scene being performed.' This contrasts with the scripted rape scene filmed the previous day, which involved rehearsals, an intimacy coordinator, and a closed set for privacy. Devyn is seeking damages on grounds of sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and breach of contract. She reports feeling 'shock, embarrassment and humiliation' immediately after the incident and began therapy in June 2023. 'I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism. What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry,' Devyn said. Kevin has denied the allegations. His attorney Marty Singer told Variety and Deadline that Costner 'always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.' Marty added Devyn's claim 'has absolutely no merit, and it is completely contradicted by her own actions – and the facts.' Martin said the scene was explained to Devyn, who after a rehearsal gave a 'thumbs up' to a stunt coordinator, indicating her consent. Marty also said Devyn was in 'good spirits' afterward, producing a text message she allegedly sent to the stunt coordinator following the shoot: 'Thank you for these wonderful weeks! I so appreciate you! I learned so much and thank you again. I'm really happy it worked out the way it did to. Have a great rest of the shoot and yes talk soon!' According to the lawsuit, Devyn complained to colleagues about her experience but felt she 'had to continue working and keep up a professional attitude' because production was still ongoing. Kevin has partially self-funded the first two Horizon films, investing US$38 million of the estimated US$100 million budget. Chapter 1 was released in June 2024 but underperformed at the box office, earning $38.7 million worldwide. Chapter 2 premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2024, with no general release date announced yet.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local caregivers report delays with CDPAP payments since transition to new fiscal intermediary
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – It has been two and a half weeks since the April 1st deadline for the families of people with disabilities and their caregivers across New York State under the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to register and transition to the new statewide fiscal intermediary, Public Partnership LLC (PPL). Before this change, caregivers were able to receive payment for their in-home services through one of an estimated 600 available fiscal intermediaries across the state. Now, all caregivers will receive payment from PPL as the sole state entity. The transition process has not been easy for many folks statewide. Many folks have reported only receiving a partial payment, being overpaid or have not been paid at all for the services they provide. President and CEO of the Regional Center for Independent Living Bruce Darling explained what this has meant for caregivers who say they've been impacted. 'People are looking at alternative [jobs], potentially cutting back hours because they need to find money to live, pay rent and their bills,' Darling said. 'That means disabled people don't have someone to help get them out of bed, help them in the bathroom, and it really puts people at significant risk of harm' Here in Rochester, Heather Burroughs and her family are facing this challenge. She is an advocate and the mother of a daughter who is disabled, whose name is Devyn. She says out of the 10 total caregivers who provide in-home care for Devyn, 9 of them are paid through CDPAP. She said due to the payout concerns caregivers have expressed over the last couple weeks, it has caused difficulty for them to be able to continue the work they do. 'The 10 women who come to my home are like family and a lot of caregivers live paycheck-to-paycheck,' Burroughs said. 'Lots of them work two or three jobs to make ends meet, so when you have two weeks in a row where you don't get paid or get paid the wrong amount it's devastating.' There are multiple lawsuits currently challenging this transition and one action in court was taken by the Regional Center for Independent Living. 'We're concerned that people may lose their freedom, but we're more concerned that what's going to happen is people will simply go without care. That will result in increased Medicaid spending and will potentially put people's lives at risk. Disabled people's lives matter too,' Darling said. State leaders say by cutting down their fiscal intermediaries to just one, it saves an estimated $1 billion. New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald also notes on the CDPAP website that this change does not affect program eligibility requirements or the services it allows for. News 8 reached out to PPL for comment on the alleged payout delays and errors and provided the following statement in response: We have been processing payroll daily since the first payroll date on April 10 to ensure all PAs who have recently completed their registration or submitted timecards are paid promptly. If a PA submitted their time to PPL by the payroll deadline but did not receive payment, or if the payment amount was different than submitted, the following are common reasons this may have occurred: The timesheet did not comply with the service authorization or a program rule, or it was missing pertinent information. Examples of these include time entries that are over the allowed amount on the service authorization, a duplicate entry, or for paper timesheets, the PA or consumer information was not included. Once these time entries are resolved, payments are processed. Time was submitted for service dates before April 1 and PPL was not the consumer's fiscal intermediary (FI) until April 1. In this case, the former FI should pay for the time worked prior to April 1. The PA submitted time but has not completed registration with PPL, including providing required I-9 documentation. Once PPL receives the compliant documents, the company will release payment. We also have seen some claims saying PAs received a $0 paycheck. A PA would receive a $0 paycheck if they requested extra withholding on their W4 and their gross pay was equal to or less than the extra holding requested plus their other deductions for federal and state taxes. For example, many PAs were automatically issued paychecks for training time. These may have been small amounts because the EVV training takes about 10 minutes to complete. If the PA had a training time payment and had requested extra withholding on their W4, it could result in a zero net paycheck. Any individuals who received zero net paychecks were verified as accurate and reflected their request for additional withholding. We are committed to continuity of care and the sustainability of this program. For 25 years, our mission has been to expand access to self-directed care and make these programs work better for everyone. By ensuring that all timesheets and payments are completed in accordance with CDPAP consumer service authorizations and program rules, as per State and Federal Medicaid guidelines, resources can be directed to providing these critical services while reducing fraud and waste. Public Partnership LLC Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
