Los Angeles, California — Kevin Costner faces serious allegations in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who claims he directed an unscripted and unapproved rape scene during the filming of “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.” LaBella’s complaint was submitted to the Superior Court of California for Los Angeles County on May 27.
According to LaBella, who served as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt, she was subjected to a traumatic experience during filming on May 2, 2023. She argues that what she believed would be an intimate scene was instead transformed into an unchoreographed, aggressive act against her will. LaBella has named Costner and the film’s production companies as defendants while seeking undisclosed damages and a jury trial.
Stunt performers typically work under strict agreements, governed by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), which prohibits last-minute changes to scenes involving nudity or simulated sex unless proper notice and consent are provided. LaBella noted that Hunt’s contract mandated the use of an intimacy coordinator for sensitive scenes, a position she alleges was disregarded during filming.
The lawsuit outlines that after weeks without incident, LaBella was informed she would need to double for Hunt in a “scripted, aggressive” scene involving Hunt’s character and actor Douglas Smith. The scene, according to the lawsuit, was executed without problems, but when LaBella returned to set the following day, she was met with a significantly altered situation. Allegations detail that Costner improvised a scene where another actor, Roger Ivens, reportedly was to engage in a violent act against Hunt’s character, without prior preparation or notice.
LaBella’s legal filing states that she felt compelled to perform the scene, despite not being informed that Hunt had reportedly left the set because she refused to go through with it. The actor’s sudden departure, as claimed by LaBella, left her unexpectedly standing in for a scene for which she had not given consent. Furthermore, she alleged that the set was open to anyone during the taping, creating an uncomfortable and unsafe atmosphere.
After the scene concluded, LaBella detailed that she experienced a breakdown, feeling shame and a loss of control. She sought a few days off from filming and returned to an environment that felt hostile, with recommendations for her to isolate herself from the rest of the crew. She has since pursued therapy to cope with emotional distress stemming from the incident.
In a statement, LaBella expressed that the experience left her feeling betrayed by a system intended to ensure safety and professionalism. She emphasized her commitment to creating safer filming environments moving forward, advocating for stringent standards surrounding consent and communication in the industry.
Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has vehemently denied LaBella’s claims, describing them as unfounded and part of a broader pattern of accusations against the actor. He asserts that Costner prioritizes safety on set and refutes the notion that LaBella was coerced in any manner. Singer contends that LaBella was satisfied with her involvement in the scene and provided positive feedback afterward.
The suit raises critical questions about the ongoing issues of consent and safety within Hollywood, with LaBella’s attorney suggesting her case reflects broader systemic problems that continue to affect performers. The outcome remains uncertain as the legal proceedings unfold, but LaBella seeks not only justice for herself but also aims to spotlight what she calls a “culture of silence” regarding the treatment of performers in the industry.
Representatives for Ella Hunt and Roger Ivens have not yet commented on the claims made in the lawsuit.
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