Latest news with #Horizon:AnAmericanSaga-Chapter2
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kevin Costner Hit With Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Over 'Violent, Unscripted' Scene On Film Set
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.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kevin Costner sued by 'Horizon' stunt performer over 'unscripted, unscheduled' rape scene
Kevin Costner sued by 'Horizon' stunt performer over 'unscripted, unscheduled' rape scene Show Caption Hide Caption 'Yellowstone' star Kevin Costner on new movie 'Horizon' Actor-director Kevin Costner says his new movie, "Horizon: An American Saga," honors "Yellowstone" fans. Kevin Costner is being sued by a stunt performer who alleges he blindsided her with an unscripted rape scene on the set of his film "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2." Devyn LaBella, 34, filed a lawsuit against the actor and director on May 27, accusing Costner of sexual discrimination and harassment, according to a copy of the complaint viewed by USA TODAY. The suit alleges that LaBella, who worked as lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt on the Western film, "was the victim of a violent unscripted, unscheduled rape scene directed" by Costner. USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Costner and Hunt for comment. According to the complaint, the incident occurred on a day when LaBella was scheduled to perform as a double for Hunt in a non-intimate scene. When Hunt arrived on set that day, she learned that Costner had requested new scenes be shot in which actor Roger Ivens would climb on top of her, "violently raking up her skirt," per the lawsuit. Hunt became upset by the "ad hoc and violent nature of the sudden script change request" and failure to have an intimacy coordinator present, so she walked off set and refused to film the scene, the complaint says. Costner then allegedly asked LaBella, who said she was unaware that Hunt had walked off the set, to stand in for the actress. But LaBella received no instruction that her "involvement in the impromptu shot would go beyond standing in as a standard body-double," the suit claims. "She was not warned or prepared for Mr. Ivens to perform or engage in any action on top of her and first learned that Ivens would mount her and violently pull her skirt up when he was already on top of her doing so," the complaint says, going on to allege Costner directed Ivens to "repeatedly perform a violent simulated rape" on LaBella "without proper notice, consent, preparation, or appropriate safeguard measures in place, such as the project's intimacy coordinator being called in." Kevin Costner's new 'Horizon' movie: Why he needs 'Yellowstone' fans, John Dutton's money The "unscripted" and "unrehearsed" scene allegedly involved Ivens mounting LaBella, miming the unbuttoning of his pants, "forcibly pinning" her down, and "violently" rustling her skirt up. Costner provided "no clear direction of when the scene began or ended," the suit alleges, which LaBella says increased her stress and confusion. She says she was "never given the opportunity to prepare for or consent to participate in this scene, much less to object to it." An intimacy coordinator was allegedly not advised that a scene calling for her presence was going to be shot. LaBella's personal undergarments were exposed during the filming of the scene, which the lawsuit says was "especially humiliating" to her because "she was menstruating at the time, compounded by the fact that between takes, Mr. Ivens' hands rested on top of the bundled-up skirt above her vagina." The complaint points to actors' union SAG-AFTRA's guide to scenes involving nudity and simulated sex, which states a performer's "performance or depiction in a scene requiring nudity or simulated sex acts is conditioned on their prior written consent, which should take the form of a rider attached to their contract," and that this rider must be provided at least 48 hours prior to call time. "In this case, production failed to provide Ms. LaBella any notice of the simulated sex act she was expected to perform, much less the contractually required rider," her suit says. The complaint additionally objects to the fact that the scene was "broadcast publicly on monitors for the entire crew to witness," whereas the "set should have been closed" given its sensitive nature. A day prior, a scripted rape scene was shot, which the suit points to as standing in contrast to the unscripted scene. The earlier scene was "thoroughly choreographed and rehearsed" to ensure LaBella "knew exactly what to expect," whereas with the unscripted scene, "none of these safety protocols occurred." 'Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2' sets premiere date after scrapped theater release LaBella experienced "shock, embarrassment and humiliation" after the incident and began going to therapy after production wrapped to "address symptoms stemming from her traumatic experience" on set, her lawsuit alleges. "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2" is the second part in a planned four-part Western film series directed by and starring Costner. The first part hit theaters in June 2024, and "Chapter 2" was originally set to debut in August 2024, but the sequel was pulled from release last year. "Chapter 2" premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September, but it does not have a theatrical release date set.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Kevin Costner Sued Over 'Unscripted' Rape Scene
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Kevin Costner, Horizon Series Inc., and 10 "does," are being sued by a stunt woman accusing Costner of directing a "violent unscripted, unscheduled rape scene" during the filming of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The stunt woman, Devyn LaBella, has accused Costner, his company Horizon Series Inc., which finances his Horizon films, and other defendants of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and five other complaints. Costner's lawyer, Marty Singer, has referred to the lawsuit as a "shakedown," according to Deadline. Newsweek reached out to Singer and LaBella's legal team via email for comment. The Context LaBella has said the impact of Costner's alleged actions has been "profound" and that she is left with "permanent trauma that she will be required to address for years to come." Her filing states that she is suing not only for herself but to "address the continued failures at the highest levels of Hollywood production companies to comprehend and address the impacts of performing in sexually explicit and violent 'scenes' and the need for intimacy coordination." This is the second lawsuit filed against Horizon Series Inc., as New Line Cinema is suing the company over breaches in their co-financing agreement. Kevin Costner attends the premiere of "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2" at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 7, 2025 Kevin Costner attends the premiere of "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2" at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 7, 2025 Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP What To Know In 2023, LaBella was working on Horizon 2 as the lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, who plays Juliette Chesney, a British schoolteacher searching for a new life in America. LaBella and Hunt are members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), and LaBella's SAG agreement contains "specific contractual obligations relating to any nude and intimate scenes to be performed by Ms. LaBella," per the suit. Hunt's contract stipulates that she is entitled to have an intimacy coordinator present during filming of intimate scenes. This extends to LaBella, who is a third-party beneficiary of this stipulation as her stunt double. According to LaBella's suit, SAG-AFTRA contracts also prohibit the introduction of a last-minute intimacy scene, giving actors at least 48 hours to negotiate the scene. And, intimacy scenes must be performed on a closed set. LaBella's suit, which was filed in the LA County court of the Superior Court of California, states that she had performed one scripted rape scene for the film which was done in accordance with all SAG-AFTRA protocols, including a closed set and an intimacy coordinator. However, she then alleges that a second, unscripted rape scene, occurred on May 2 when she was on set to film for a non-intimate scene. According to LaBella's suit, "Ms. Hunt arrived for her shot as scheduled on May 2. The script only called for Juliette (Ms. Hunt) to mouth the word "No." However, when Ms. Hunt arrived, she learned that the Director, Defendant Costner, had requested that additional scenes be shot with a different male actor, Mr. Ivens, who had also been cast during pre-production in the Los Angeles area. "In these new scenes, Mr. Ivens was to climb on top of Ms. Hunt, violently raking up her skirt. Defendant Costner, who was present on the set, specifically added this scene, which varied from the scene filmed the day before which had not involved pulling up the actor's skirt. Moreover, this revised scene is not specified in the assigned call sheet for that day," the suit says. According to her court filings, LaBella was "completely unaware of these developments," and was caught entirely by surprise when her stand-in role suddenly turned into a simulated rape scene, with her being allegedly pinned down by a male actor performing the scene with her. She says she was not given the requisite 48 hours to sign off on the scene, the set was not closed, and there was no intimacy coordinator present. Her suit is against Costner as she has accused him of directing the action. Costner's attorney, Singer, told Deadline: "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 said that LaBella was made aware of the scene prior to filming, and that the night following the scene, she was in good spirits and did not bring any complaints to the stunt coordinator. Singer has accused LaBella of making similar claims against other sets. What People Are Saying Devyn LaBella's lawsuit alleges: "As a proximate result of Defendants' conduct, Ms. LaBella suffered and continues to suffer damages in terms of lost wages, lost bonuses, lost benefits, and other pecuniary loss according to proof. Ms. LaBella has also suffered and will continue to suffer physical and emotional injuries, including nervousness, humiliation, depression, anguish, embarrassment, fright, shock, pain, discomfort, fatigue, and anxiety. The amount of Plaintiff's damages will be ascertained at trial." Kevin Costner's lawyer, Marty Singer, told Deadline: "The facts are clear and we are beyond confident that Kevin will prevail." What Happens Next LaBella is suing for relief due to her alleged trauma and loss of wages from losing other work following the alleged incident, for a public apology, and for the defendants to submit to anti-sexual harassment and anti-sexual violence training provided by a reputable organization such as RAINN. She is also requesting a jury trial for all charges that can be brought before a jury. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673, or contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) helpline via their
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kevin Costner sued over 'unscripted rape scene' he directed in his Horizon film
In the documents, it was claimed the stunt performer 'was the victim of a violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene directed by Kevin Costner' on the set of Horizon Kevin Costner has been named in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a stunt performer who alleged she had to film a "violent" and "unscripted" rape scene directed by Costner while on the set of his movie, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 in 2023. The stunt performer filed the complaint in the Superior Court of California for Los Angeles County on Tuesday, May 27. In the documents, it was alleged she "was the victim of a violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene directed by Kevin Costner." She also included the production companies behind the movie as defendants in the suit and is suing for an undisclosed amount, requesting a trial by jury. The actor's attorney denied the allegations made against him, adding that Costner "takes safety on set very seriously." The stunt actor, who was hired as a double for lead actress Ella Hunt under a SAG agreement, claimed her job was to stand in for the lead star "during physical scenes". According to the civil complaint, it was noted how SAG doesn't permit "any last minute requests for nudity or simulated sex", adding producers are supposed to provide a two-day notice and get the okay from the performer when it comes to changes with intimate scenes. Her contract also allegedly requires a intimacy coordinator for the scenes. Her complaint alleged she filmed for a few weeks "without incident" and was told she would step in as a double for "a scripted, aggressive and intimate rape scene" with the lead star's character and actor Douglas Smith's character Sig due to the scenes' "very physical nature". She claimed the scripted scene, filmed on May 1 2023, was "wrapped" with "no issues", with it being a closed set "due to the sensitive nature of what was being recorded." But on the next day, she claimed she was on set for a "non-intimate scene" as a double and went on to allege that Costner added and directed a scene where another actor, Roger Ivens (playing a character named Birke), was supposed to "climb on top of Ms Hunt, violently raking up her skirt". The complaint alleged the scene wasn't on the call sheet for the day, with the only scenes being the lead actress, Ms Hunt, rifling through a dresser and a second scene where Mr Smith (playing Sig) interacts with Ms Hunt's character. Ivens isn't named as a defendant in the suit. Upon learning of the new unscripted scene, the lead actress allegedly left the set after refusing to do the scene. Costner allegedly told the stunt performer to stand in "without proper notice, consent, preparation, or appropriate safeguard measures in place". The stunt performer, who insisted she never gave consent for the added-in scene, claimed the task was "not within the scope of her role as a stunt double" and alleged she didn't know Ms Hunt walked off set after allegedly refusing to film the scene - which was claimed to be an open set. "As directed by Costner, this unscripted, unrehearsed scene consisted of Mr. Ivens mounting [the stunt performer] while miming the unbuttoning of his pants, and using his body and arms forcibly pinning down [the stunt performer], who was on her back underneath him. Mr. Ivens violently rustled [her] skirt up as if trying to penetrate her against her will," the complaint alleged. Costner's lawyer, Marty Singer, denied the allegations made against the actor and director, telling PEOPLE he "always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously." Singer, who is representing all production companies listed as defendants in the case, claimed the stunt performer is a "serial accuser" with claims that have "absolutely no merit" and are "completely contradicted by her own actions — and the facts." He also accused her of "shakedown tactics" and claimed she approved of the scene after rehearsing it with another actor and even giving her stunt coordinator a "thumbs up". According to Singer, the performer was in "good spirits" on the day the scene was filmed and allegedly sent the stunt coordinator a text thanking them for the chance to film. "The facts are clear and we are beyond confident that Kevin will prevail," Singer said.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Horizon' Stunt Performer Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Kevin Costner and Film's Producers
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
