Los Angeles, California — Actor Kevin Costner is requesting a dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a stunt performer from his film “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.” The performer, Devyn LaBella, alleges that she participated in an unscripted and non-consensual scene of sexual violence without proper notifications or an intimacy coordinator, which are typically required for such productions.
In a declaration submitted to Los Angeles Superior Court, Costner characterized LaBella’s claims as “absolutely false” and expressed disappointment over what he sees as an attempt to tarnish his reputation. He described the allegations as sensationalistic rhetoric aimed at creating scandal and indicated that they included misleading language that he finds distressing.
Costner’s legal filing stated, “These allegations are so patently false that I can only assume their purpose is to damage me and the ‘Horizon’ films for an unjustified financial gain.” He expressed outrage at having to confront accusations involving terms like “rape” and “assault,” saying they have turned into a “nightmare” for him.
LaBella’s lawsuit alleges that she was hired as a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, who had negotiated for an intimacy coordinator to oversee any intimate scenes. The complaint details an incident where, following a planned scene exploring themes of sexual violence, Costner purportedly requested LaBella to participate in an impromptu scene that escalated into alleged violence against her character, as portrayed by Roger Ivens.
Responding to these allegations, Costner labeled LaBella’s characterization of the scene as “absurd and sensationalistic.” He provided evidence, including still images from the production, to contradict her claims, arguing that the scene in question was artistically designed to imply off-screen actions rather than depict any explicit violence.
Additionally, Costner’s legal team is leveraging California’s anti-SLAPP law, which aims to protect individuals from lawsuits meant to intimidate their free speech rights. The actor’s team contends that LaBella’s allegations are an attempt to silence him and harm his career.
LaBella’s attorney, James A. Vagnini, countered Costner’s claims, asserting that they demonstrate how “one of Hollywood’s most powerful men” is evading accountability for what they consider reckless behavior. Vagnini refuted assertions made about LaBella’s professionalism on set, citing eyewitness accounts and documentary evidence, including messages and reports from the production’s intimacy coordinator, as proof of the incident’s seriousness.
Vagnini further characterized Costner’s motion as a tactical maneuver aimed at delaying proceedings, describing it as desperate and devoid of substance. The growing legal conflict highlights ongoing discussions within the entertainment industry regarding safety protocols and consent on set, especially regarding scenes involving sexual content.
This ongoing legal dispute highlights the complexities surrounding workplace safety and the treatment of performers in the film industry.
For any corrections or removal requests, please contact contact@publiclawlibrary.org.