Kevin Costner, a Hollywood icon renowned for his decades of acclaimed work, is now facing one of the most contentious challenges of his career. Stunt performer Devyn LaBella has filed a lawsuit over an incident that allegedly took place on the set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. According to the complaint, LaBella claims she was directed into performing an unscripted and violent simulated rape scene without prior notice, an intimacy coordinator, or closed-set protections. The fallout has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, raising fresh questions about consent, safety, and responsibility on film sets.
The Allegations Against Costner
At the heart of the lawsuit is a scene that was supposed to involve sensitive content, originally scripted with prior consent in mind. Devyn LaBella, who was hired as a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, claims she was asked to step in after Hunt allegedly declined to perform the sequence. LaBella contends that she was not told that the choreography had changed and that the simulated assault she was directed to perform was far more graphic than expected. She also alleges that there was no intimacy coordinator present, a requirement for such scenes under current industry guidelines.
LaBella further asserts that the set was not closed during filming of this scene, an industry-standard measure meant to preserve privacy and professionalism when filming explicit material. Instead, she says, crew members were present, increasing her discomfort and sense of exposure. The lawsuit claims this created a hostile work environment and caused her emotional distress, for which she is now seeking damages. Her legal team argues that her experience highlights ongoing issues in how studios protect their performers, particularly stunt doubles.
In response, Kevin Costner’s legal representation has pushed back strongly. His attorney, Marty Singer, labeled LaBella a “serial accuser” and stated that she not only agreed to the scene but also expressed gratitude to the crew and Kevin Costner afterward. According to Singer, the allegations are contradicted by her communications after the shoot. This rebuttal sets the stage for what may become a protracted legal dispute with serious implications for both parties involved.
Industry Protocols and Responsibility
This lawsuit comes at a time when the entertainment industry has made significant strides toward enforcing boundaries and consent in on-set interactions. In recent years, the inclusion of intimacy coordinators for sensitive scenes has become standard practice across major productions. LaBella’s lawsuit suggests that those protocols may not have been followed in this instance, despite the high profile of the film and those involved. If true, it would represent a troubling oversight for a production of this scale.
Kevin Costner’s camp maintains that all proper procedures were followed and that LaBella’s version of events is inaccurate. They point to messages and correspondence after the shoot that allegedly contradicted her claims. However, the fact that such a lawsuit exists, against a prominent figure like Kevin Costner, has already sparked public debate. Social media users and advocacy groups are weighing in, highlighting the cultural importance of believing women while also underscoring the need for due process. Whether Kevin Costner emerges from this unscathed or faces consequences, this moment stands as a reminder of how rapidly the cultural landscape is changing.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Kevin Costner over an alleged unscripted rape scene has ignited intense discussion and scrutiny within the entertainment world. Devyn LaBella’s claims, if sustainable, raise significant concerns about how intimate content is handled on set, especially for those not in lead roles. Kevin Costner and his legal team strongly deny any wrongdoing, framing the lawsuit as unfounded and inconsistent with the facts. As this case moves through the courts, it will not only affect the individuals involved but also shape conversations about ethics and safety across Hollywood. Regardless of the outcome, the industry must keep evolving to prioritize consent and dignity for all performers.
