Kevin Costner faces lawsuit over alleged unscripted rape scene in film ‘Horizon’
Kevin Costner is facing a lawsuit filed by Devyn LaBella, a stunt double on the set of his upcoming film “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.” LaBella alleges that she was coerced into participating in an unscripted and violent rape scene while working on the film. The suit, initiated on Tuesday, highlights serious allegations including sexual discrimination, harassment, and the creation of a hostile work environment.
LaBella, who is 34 years old, claims that on May 2, 2023, she became a victim of what she describes as a brutal and unplanned scene directed by the 70-year-old actor. The complaint states that LaBella has suffered “permanent trauma” from the incident, which she asserts abruptly halted her career in the industry. She emphasizes that her earlier experiences on set were positive, but the circumstances surrounding the scene in question deviated dramatically.
According to the legal filings, LaBella was informed by the production team that she would be needed to double for actress Ella Hunt’s character Juliette in a scripted rape scene. However, after filming commenced, Costner reportedly asked LaBella to step in for an unannounced shot, which deviated from established protocols laid out by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
The lawsuit contends that this request violated SAG-AFTRA guidelines, particularly since the scene was supposed to involve an intimacy coordinator—an essential position for managing sensitive filming situations with appropriate safeguards. LaBella states that while she consented to assist with the shooting, she was unaware that Hunt had walked off the set, refusing to continue with that part of the filming.
The allegation poses significant questions about workplace safety and the treatment of actors and stunt performers in Hollywood. The suit characterizes the filming of the scene as a distressing ordeal for LaBella, who asserts that Costner was actively involved and aware of the unfolding situation. She alleges that she was subjected to a traumatic environment devoid of necessary precautions and support.
Following her experience, LaBella claims that she was not rehired for the third installment of the film series and has since not been involved in projects led by the stunt coordinator she had previously worked with. In addition, she filed complaints with the California Civil Rights Division in both February and November of 2024.
“Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,” which debuted in theaters in June, faced poor box office results, prompting the removal of the second chapter from scheduled theatrical releases planned for August 2024. The prospects for subsequent chapters of the film remain uncertain.
Media News Source has reached out to representatives for Kevin Costner for further comments regarding the lawsuit. The unfolding developments raise critical concerns around workplace conduct and the responsibilities of filmmakers in ensuring the safety and rights of all personnel involved in production.
