Kevin Costner seeks dismissal of sexual harassment lawsuit filed by stunt double from the film ‘Horizon’.
Kevin Costner is seeking to have the sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him by Ella Hunt’s stunt double, Devyn LaBella, dismissed. The lawsuit alleges that LaBella was coerced into participating in a violent and unscheduled rape scene during the filming of the second installment of “Horizon: An American Saga,” a project for which Costner serves as both actor and director.
Representing the two-time Academy Award winner, attorneys Marty Singer and T. Wayne Harman assert that LaBella concluded her work on the film with expressions of “enthusiasm and gratitude.” They contend that in court documents, LaBella’s own remarks, recorded via text messages, reflected her positive feelings towards her experience. One message highlighted her appreciation for the production team, indicating satisfaction with her time on set and an eagerness to continue collaborating in the future.
Costner’s legal team has included statements from various cast and crew members that challenge LaBella’s claims. According to Costner’s declaration, the allegations made by LaBella are “absolutely false” and “deeply disappointing.” He maintains that there was no incident of nudity, violence, or simulated sexual activity during the shoot, countering LaBella’s assertions about the nature of the scene in question.
In her lawsuit filed in late May, LaBella accused Costner of sexual discrimination and harassment. The specifics of her claims include a hostile work environment, failure to remedy or prevent discrimination, retaliation, and breach of contract. LaBella alleged that the scene, which involved actor Roger Ivens, was inserted unexpectedly and fell outside the approved boundaries of her role as a stunt double. Furthermore, she claimed that no intimacy coordinators were present to oversee the situation, which is a standard safety practice in the industry.
Costner’s attorneys previously denounced the lawsuit as “meritless,” asserting that the accusations have been contradicted by multiple witnesses and lack any substantiated evidence. The legal proceedings continue to unfold as both parties prepare for further developments in the case, signaling a contentious legal battle ahead.
As public interest in the case rises, the implications for Costner, a prominent figure in Hollywood, and the stunt industry practices may become significant focal points for discussion in the entertainment community. The case underscores ongoing conversations around workplace safety, consent, and the portrayal of violence in film, particularly in roles that demand physical and emotional intensity from performers.
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