Latest news with #HorizonSeries
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kevin Costner sued by 'Horizon 2' stunt double for rape scene she says was 'unscripted' and 'violent'
Kevin Costner has been sued by a stunt performer from the set of 'Horizon 2,' who claims she was put in an unscripted rape scene without warning or proper filming safety protocols. Devyn LaBella, 34, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Superior Los Angeles County Court against the Horizon Series, production company Territory Pictures and Costner — the director, producer, and star of the film series — alleging sexual harassment, hostile work environment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The "violent, unscripted, unscheduled" rape scene unfolded during filming in Utah on May 2, 2023, according to the criminal complaint. LeBella said filming the scene filled her with shame, upended her career and left her reeling with permanent trauma. "Horizon: An American Saga" is a four-part series written, directed, produced and starring Costner, chronicling the settlement of the American West. "Chapter 1" of the series was released in June 2024, and "Chapter 2" debuted at film festivals, but has not had a theatrical release. Marty Singer, an attorney for Costner, said in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday that LaBella's claim has 'absolutely no merit' and is 'completely contradicted by her own actions.' 'As a stunt performer on 'Horizon 2,' the scene in question was explained to Ms. LaBella, and after she performed the rehearsal in character with another actor, she gave her Stunt Coordinator supervisor a 'thumbs up' and indicated her willingness to then shoot the scene, if needed (which she was not),' Singer said. Attorneys for LaBella said the lawsuit seeks to 'address the continued failures at the highest levels of Hollywood production companies' and the need for intimacy coordination. The Horizon Series and Territory Pictures did not immediately respond to requests for comment. According to the lawsuit, LaBella had entered into a SAG-AFTRA contract with the movie company as the lead stunt double for the series' lead actor, Ella Hunt. In her role, 'Ms. LaBella's job was to step in for the actor during physical scenes and to perform the stunt while the cameras were rolling. Such scenes are usually rehearsed and choreographed to ensure safety and accuracy,' the complaint said. For the first few weeks on set in the spring of 2023 she performed her stunts without incident. Then, things 'changed drastically' on May 2, the complaint said. When Hunt arrived to set that day, she learned that Costner had requested additional scenes not on the call sheet in which actor Roger Ivens was to climb on top of her and violently hike up her skirt, simulating a rape scene, the complaint said. The scene was not specified for that day, no closed set was specified, and no arrangements were made for the set's intimacy coordinator to be present during filming, the filing said. 'Due to the ad hoc and violent nature of the sudden script change request, along with the failure to secure a contractually required intimacy coordinator for the scene, Ms. Hunt became visibly upset and walked off the set, refusing to do the scene,' the complaint said. LaBella was unaware that Hunt had left, and Costner asked her to 'stand in' for Hunt to 'line up (a) shot,' the complaint said. LaBella was not a stand-in performer and such a task wasn't within her scope as a stunt double, but she agreed. She wasn't warned about the sexual nature of the scene, and first learned about it when Ivens was already on top of her in a wagon and violently pulled up her skirt, the complaint said, noting Costner was fully in charge of directing the action filmed that day. 'Without proper notice, consent, preparation or appropriate safeguard measures in place, such as the project's intimacy coordinator being called in, Defendant Costner directed Mr. Ivens to repeatedly perform a violent simulated rape on Ms. LaBella,' the complaint said. The suit says such a scene is in violation of SAG-AFTRA rules that mandates a performer doing a scene simulating sex must have prior written consent in the form of a rider that must be provided at least 48 hours before call time. SAG-AFTRA also prohibits that last minute changes. The movie set failed to supply details of the scene on the call sheet in advance, failed to have rehearsals, did not provide an intimacy coordinator and the set was not closed, the complaint said. Further, despite the privacy of the scene, it was broadcast publicly on monitors for the entire crew to witness while the set was open. 'Indeed, there were multiple onlookers along with the producers watching this scene unfold on monitors in the video village,' the complaint said. Costner also allegedly failed to consistently announce 'action' and 'cut' to make it clear when the scene began or ended. The complaint also said that there were no breaks in which the actors separated to reset. LaBella couldn't escape the situation, and all she could do was 'wait for the nightmare to end,' the complaint said. The suit noted that the movie set filmed a rape scene the day prior on May 1 in which, in sharp contrast to May 2, all the proper safety protocols were followed. After the scene, LaBella was left in the wagon alone, feeling shocked, embarrassed, humiliated and holding back tears, the complaint said. After her stunt coordinator saw she was upset, she was told the production team would be using a body double for such scenes in the future. She met with her stunt coordinator and two other stunt coordinators for dinner and expressed her concern and outrage, but the male attendees allegedly 'blamed her for not speaking up,' the suit said. Singer, Costner's attorney, refuted this claim saying, LaBella had dinner with her supervising stunt coordinator and was in 'good spirits and made no complaints to them.' The day after the filming, LaBella also contacted the intimacy coordinator and told her about what happened, according to the lawsuit. LaBella suffered bouts of crying on and off set in the days following, the complaint said. She went home to spend time with family for a few days. But when she returned to set, she found that the production team was 'now extra careful' around her and she was directed to stay alone in her trailer and not be present on set. In June 2023, LaBella began therapy to address symptoms from the traumatic experience, 'including intrusive distressing memories,' sleep disturbance, fears of intimacy, and anxiety. After her complaints of sexual harassment on set, LaBella was not hired back to continue as a stunt double for "Horizon 3," which began filming in early 2024. She also wasn't hired again for any other projects by her stunt coordinator. "On that day, 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," LaBella said in a statement on Wednesday. "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." The suit alleges sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, creation of a hostile work environment based on sex, failure to remedy/prevent discrimination and harassment, retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages, that the defendants submit to anti-sexual harassment and anti-sexual violence training, that defendants be required to engage an intimacy coordinator on all future productions, and that defendants issue a public apology to LaBella. This article was originally published on
NBC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Kevin Costner sued by 'Horizon 2' stunt double for rape scene she says was 'unscripted' and 'violent'
Kevin Costner has been sued by a stunt performer on the set of ' Horizon 2,' who claims she was put in an unscripted rape scene without warning or proper filming safety protocols. Devyn LaBella, 34, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Superior Los Angeles County Court against the Horizon Series, production company Territory Pictures and Costner — the director, producer, and star of the film series — alleging sexual harassment, hostile work environment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The "violent, unscripted, unscheduled" rape scene unfolded during filming in Utah on May 2, 2023, according to the criminal complaint. LeBella said filming the scene filled her with shame, upended her career and left her reeling with permanent trauma. "Horizon: An American Saga" is a four-part series written, directed, produced and starring Costner, chronicling the settlement of the American West. "Chapter 1" of the series was released in June 2024, and "Chapter 2" debuted at film festivals, but has not had a theatrical release. Marty Singer, an attorney for Costner, said in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday that LaBella's claim has 'absolutely no merit' and is 'completely contradicted by her own actions.' 'As a stunt performer on 'Horizon 2,' the scene in question was explained to Ms. LaBella, and after she performed the rehearsal in character with another actor, she gave her Stunt Coordinator supervisor a 'thumbs up' and indicated her willingness to then shoot the scene, if needed (which she was not),' Singer said. Attorneys for LaBella said the lawsuit seeks to 'address the continued failures at the highest levels of Hollywood production companies' and the need for intimacy coordination. The Horizon Series and Territory Pictures did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The scene According to the lawsuit, LaBella had entered into a SAG-AFTRA contract with the movie company as the lead stunt double for the series' lead actor, Ella Hunt. In her role, 'Ms. LaBella's job was to step in for the actor during physical scenes and to perform the stunt while the cameras were rolling. Such scenes are usually rehearsed and choreographed to ensure safety and accuracy,' the complaint said. For the first few weeks on set in the spring of 2023 she performed her stunts without incident. Then, things 'changed drastically' on May 2, the complaint said. When Hunt arrived to set that day, she learned that Costner had requested additional scenes not on the call sheet in which actor Roger Ivens was to climb on top of her and violently hike up her skirt, simulating a rape scene, the complaint said. The scene was not specified for that day, no closed set was specified, and no arrangements were made for the set's intimacy coordinator to be present during filming, the filing said. 'Due to the ad hoc and violent nature of the sudden script change request, along with the failure to secure a contractually required intimacy coordinator for the scene, Ms. Hunt became visibly upset and walked off the set, refusing to do the scene,' the complaint said. LaBella was unaware that Hunt had left, and Costner asked her to 'stand in' for Hunt to 'line up (a) shot,' the complaint said. LaBella was not a stand-in performer and such a task wasn't within her scope as a stunt double, but she agreed. She wasn't warned about the sexual nature of the scene, and first learned about it when Ivens was already on top of her in a wagon and violently pulled up her skirt, the complaint said, noting Costner was fully in charge of directing the action filmed that day. 'Without proper notice, consent, preparation or appropriate safeguard measures in place, such as the project's intimacy coordinator being called in, Defendant Costner directed Mr. Ivens to repeatedly perform a violent simulated rape on Ms. LaBella,' the complaint said. The suit says such a scene is in violation of SAG-AFTRA rules that mandates a performer doing a scene simulating sex must have prior written consent in the form of a rider that must be provided at least 48 hours before call time. SAG-AFTRA also prohibits that last minute changes. The movie set failed to supply details of the scene on the call sheet in advance, failed to have rehearsals, did not provide an intimacy coordinator and the set was not closed, the complaint said. Further, despite the privacy of the scene, it was broadcast publicly on monitors for the entire crew to witness while the set was open. 'Indeed, there were multiple onlookers along with the producers watching this scene unfold on monitors in the video village,' the complaint said. Costner also allegedly failed to consistently announce 'action' and 'cut' to make it clear when the scene began or ended. The complaint also said that there were no breaks in which the actors separated to reset. LaBella couldn't escape the situation, and all she could do was 'wait for the nightmare to end,' the complaint said. The suit noted that the movie set filmed a rape scene the day prior on May 1 in which, in sharp contrast to May 2, all the proper safety protocols were followed. The aftermath After the scene, LaBella was left in the wagon alone, feeling shocked, embarrassed, humiliated and holding back tears, the complaint said. After her stunt coordinator saw she was upset, she was told the production team would be using a body double for such scenes in the future. She met with her stunt coordinator and two other stunt coordinators for dinner and expressed her concern and outrage, but the male attendees allegedly 'blamed her for not speaking up,' the suit said. Singer, Costner's attorney, refuted this claim saying, LaBella had dinner with her supervising stunt coordinator and was in 'good spirits and made no complaints to them.' The day after the filming, LaBella also contacted the intimacy coordinator and told her about what happened, according to the lawsuit. LaBella suffered bouts of crying on and off set in the days following, the complaint said. She went home to spend time with family for a few days. But when she returned to set, she found that the production team was 'now extra careful' around her and she was directed to stay alone in her trailer and not be present on set. In June 2023, LaBella began therapy to address symptoms from the traumatic experience, 'including intrusive distressing memories,' sleep disturbance, fears of intimacy, and anxiety. After her complaints of sexual harassment on set, LaBella was not hired back to continue as a stunt double for "Horizon 3," which began filming in early 2024. She also wasn't hired again for any other projects by her stunt coordinator. "On that day, 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," LaBella said in a statement on Wednesday. "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." The suit alleges sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, creation of a hostile work environment based on sex, failure to remedy/prevent discrimination and harassment, retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages, that the defendants submit to anti-sexual harassment and anti-sexual violence training, that defendants be required to engage an intimacy coordinator on all future productions, and that defendants issue a public apology to LaBella.
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.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kevin Costner faces multi-million-dollar legal setback over ‘Horizon' film deal
Kevin Costner , fresh from his departure from the hit series 'Yellowstone,' is now entangled in a significant legal battle that could potentially cost him millions of dollars related to his ambitious film project, ' Horizon: An American Saga .' The actor-director's Western series, a long-cherished passion project, is facing financial headwinds, leading New Line Cinema and a bank to pursue arbitration against his production company. New Line Cinema initiates legal action over co-financing agreement According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, New Line Cinema has initiated an arbitration claim against Horizon Series, the production company behind the 'Horizon' films. The claim alleges that Horizon Series breached their co-financing agreement for the project. This legal move by New Line follows a separate arbitration action brought by City National Bank against both Horizon Series and New Line. In response to the bank's claim, New Line reportedly filed a cross-complaint against Horizon Series, seeking repayment of funds. The core of the dispute revolves around an agreement where both New Line and Horizon Series were to reimburse a portion of the film's substantial funding. The report further adds that New Line essentially covered payments that Horizon Series allegedly failed to make, while City National Bank believes it is still owed additional funds. Costner's Significant Personal Financial Risk While the exact amount of money at stake in the legal battle remains unclear, Kevin Costner has previously disclosed the significant personal financial risk he undertook to bring 'Horizon: An American Saga' to fruition. As reported by the Daily Mail, Costner acknowledged contributing a staggering $38 million of his own money to finance the two-part epic, which had a total production budget exceeding $100 million. Directing and starring in the planned four-chapter Western film series was clearly a deeply personal endeavor for Costner, who spent decades searching for a studio willing to back his vision. He even reportedly took out a loan secured by his Santa Barbara home after over 30 years of unsuccessful attempts to get the project off the ground. Box Office Failure and Uncertain Future for 'Horizon: Chapter 2' The first installment of the series, 'Horizon: Chapter 1,' released in June of last year, proved to be a box office disappointment and was met with largely negative reviews from critics. This underwhelming performance has cast a shadow over the future of the subsequent chapters. The second installment, 'Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2,' which was initially slated for a July 2024 theatrical release, was ultimately withdrawn, and its release has been postponed indefinitely, raising further concerns about the financial viability of the entire project. Despite this setback, a Deadline report from September indicated that the scripts for parts three and four of the 'Horizon' saga are complete and ready for potential future production. Costner's Long-Term Vision and Acceptance of Potential Losses Despite the current legal and financial challenges, Kevin Costner has expressed a long-term perspective on his film project. He stated that he believes he will own the 'Horizon' films for the rest of his life and remains optimistic that audiences will eventually discover and appreciate them, underscoring his faith in the enduring power of cinema and the big screen experience. Costner conveyed his belief that a film's worth extends beyond its opening weekend success, holding value throughout its lifespan. While he hopes to recoup his significant personal investment, he acknowledged that he would not be devastated if that did not occur. Although admitting the potential loss of treasured belongings used as collateral, Costner insisted that these were merely material possessions, highlighting his passion for the film itself over financial gain. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
New York Post
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Kevin Costner's passion project ‘Horizon' ignites fresh legal battle after box office bomb
Kevin Costner's passion project, 'Horizon,' has turned into a nightmare — and not just at the box office. The Western, which Costner, 70, plunked several million of his own fortune into, is the focus of a new behind-the-scenes legal war, according to The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, May 12. The alleged dispute is reportedly between New Line Cinema, Horizon Series (Costner's loan-out firm), and City National Bank. Advertisement 8 Kevin Costner's $100 million passion project tanked at the box office. Warner Bros. 8 'Chapter 1' was supposed to be the first of four films in the Western franchise. Warner Bros. City National Bank allegedly filed the arbitration against both companies. New Line responded with a crossclaim seeking repayment from Horizon Series as part of its defense, per THR. Advertisement New Line Cinema and Horizon Series reportedly had a deal that required them to repay a portion of the financing. New Line Cinema allegedly believed it covered a portion of the payment that their partner didn't pay. However, City National Bank reportedly thinks it's owed more. Sources told the outlet that Horizon Series and New Line Cinema are in a stalemate over the cofinancing agreement. 8 Now, several companies involved with the project at reportedly at war. Warner Bros. Advertisement 8 Kevin Costner put several millions of his own fortune into making the movie. Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival New Line Cinema declined to comment. The Post reached out to City National Bank, Horizon Series, and Costner's rep but did not immediately hear back. The 'Yellowstone' alum previously said his personal investment for 'Horizon' was 'well above $50 million,' admitting he mortgaged '10 acres on the water in Santa Barbara where I was going to build my last house' for the passion project. 'Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1,' which Costner directed, starred in, co-wrote and used millions to finance, cost a whopping $100 million to make and only brought in a measly $11 million during its opening week. Advertisement 8 Kevin Costner started the passion project while on 'Yellowstone.' Paramount Network 8 He played John Dutton on the hit cowboy series. Paramount Network/Courtesy Everett Collection The flick was set to be the first of four installments, with a follow-up to be released seven weeks after the franchise's debut. However, when it tanked at the theaters, the sequel's release was held. While the fate of 'Chapter 2' is unknown, 'Chapter 3' started filming last year despite allegedly not being fully financed. Last year, Costner spoke about the struggles of financing his Blockbuster dreams. 8 Kevin Costner was unable to film the second half of 'Yellowstone' Season 5 due to scheduling conflicts. Getty Images 'I need some more money — I do. I need some of these big billionaires, with f—ing boats 'from here to here' who are fond of telling people they're billionaires to come with me and make a movie,' the star said on THR's 'Awards Chatter' podcast. 'I don't have the money they have and I've already made two of 'em. Where are you rich guys?' Meanwhile, fans weren't happy with Costner after he backed out of the second half of the 'Yellowstone' final season due to scheduling conflicts with 'Horizon.' Advertisement 8 He later addressed the controversy, claiming there was 'no script' for him when he arrived to shoot 'Yellowstone.' Paramount The actor, who played John Dutton in the cowboy series, later addressed the issues. He claimed he had a small window of availability to focus on 'Yellowstone' but 'there was no script.' 'What you read in the end was that I said, 'Well, look, I'm doing my movie. If you want me to work a week because you want to kill me or whatever else, I can give you a week,'' Costner told Deadline. 'I really didn't have that week to give them, but I said, I'll do that. And then they [spun that] into, I only wanted to work a week.' Advertisement He insisted that he 'made Yellowstone the first priority' and claimed 'to insinuate anything else would be wrong.' 'Yellowstone' aired its final episode on December 15, 2024, after five seasons, with the series sparking several spinoffs.
