Kevin Costner has been named in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devyn LaBella. LaBella alleges that during the filming of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 in 2023, she was subjected to an unscripted, violent rape scene that was directed by Costner himself.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that this scene was not planned or approved in advance and that LaBella was coerced into performing without consent.
Unscripted Scene Sparks Trauma, Violates SAG Protocols, and Lacks Proper Safety Measures
LaBella was hired as a stunt double under a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) agreement, which explicitly prohibits last-minute requests involving nudity or simulated sex without proper notice and consent.
The planned rape scene had been filmed days earlier with coordination and consent, but LaBella alleges that the following day, Costner directed an additional unscheduled and more aggressive scene involving her without informing her or allowing her to prepare. She states she was not given adequate safeguards or the necessary presence of intimacy coordinators, and that the set was open to observers during the filming.
According to the lawsuit, the incident left LaBella emotionally devastated, experiencing trauma, including anxiety and fear of intimacy, leading her to seek therapy. She describes feeling betrayed by the industry’s promise of safety and professionalism.
After the incident, LaBella says she was isolated on set and subjected to a tense environment until production ended. She now aims to advocate for stronger protections and standards for stunt performers and actors in intimate or violent scenes.
Legal Denials Clash With Calls for Industry Reform and Enhanced Safety Measures
Costner’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations, calling LaBella a “serial accuser” and accusing her of fabricating claims for financial gain. They assert that she consented to the scenes after rehearsals and was in good spirits during filming.
Meanwhile, LaBella’s attorneys argue the case highlights ongoing systemic issues in Hollywood regarding gender dynamics, lack of protection, and failures to enforce safety protocols in sexually explicit or violent scenes.
LaBella’s lawsuit not only seeks damages but also draws attention to the alleged widespread failure of Hollywood productions to properly manage and safeguard performers during intimate scenes.
She emphasizes the critical need for rigorous intimacy coordination and communication to prevent such abuses. Representatives for other actors involved have not yet commented on the case, which continues to spark discussion about consent, safety, and accountability on film sets.
