Kevin Costner, ‘Horizon 2’ Sued Over Unscripted Rape Scene
- Stunt performer Devyn LaBella is suing Kevin Costner and several production companies, alleging she was subjected to an unscripted and brutal rape scene on the Utah set of...
- The lawsuit accuses Costner and the production companies of sexual discrimination, harassment, and creating a hostile work environment.
- LaBella stated she felt "exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed" by the incident, wich she says has shattered her trust in the industry.
Stunt Performer Sues Kevin Costner Over ‘Horizon’ Rape Scene Allegation
Stunt performer Devyn LaBella is suing Kevin Costner and several production companies, alleging she was subjected to an unscripted and brutal rape scene on the Utah set of Horizon: an American Saga – Chapter 2. labella claims the incident occurred in May 2023 without proper notice, consent, or the presence of a required intimacy coordinator.
The lawsuit accuses Costner and the production companies of sexual discrimination, harassment, and creating a hostile work environment. LaBella also alleges retaliation after reporting the incident, claiming she was not rehired for subsequent work on the Horizon series and was never hired again by the film’s stunt coordinator, despite previous collaborations.
LaBella stated she felt “exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed” by the incident, wich she says has shattered her trust in the industry.
Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, refuted the claims, stating that Costner prioritizes the comfort and safety of everyone working on his films. Singer asserted that the lawsuit has “absolutely no merit” and is contradicted by LaBella’s own actions and the facts.
This legal action follows a previous arbitration claim against Costner’s loan-out firm for allegedly breaching a co-financing agreement with New Line Cinema. James Vagnini, one of LaBella’s attorneys, said settlement discussions broke down before the suit was filed. The Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund is supporting LaBella’s case.
LaBella, who previously worked on films like Barbie and American Horror Stories, was hired as the lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt in Horizon. Hunt’s contract stipulated a mandatory intimacy coordinator for all nude or intimate scenes, a provision that would extend to LaBella as her stunt double. SAG-AFTRA regulations also mandate prior notice, consent, and a closed set for intimate scenes.
According to the lawsuit, a scripted rape scene filmed on May 1 followed all established protocols, including detailed call sheets, rehearsals with stunt and intimacy coordinators, a closed set, and scheduled breaks for performers.
Though, LaBella alleges that the following day, these rules where disregarded. She claims that after Hunt walked off set “visibly upset” as Costner added an impromptu scene of sexual violence, LaBella was asked to stand in for Hunt. LaBella says she was instructed to lie on a wagon and only learned it was a rape scene when Costner directed actor Roger Ivens to simulate non-consensual sex on her.
The suit claims that ivens “violently rustled Ms. LaBella’s skirt up as if trying to penetrate her against her will” while pinning her down, all without prior notice, rehearsal, or an intimacy coordinator present.the entire crew could view the action on monitors, according to the complaint.
Singer countered that this was merely a rehearsal without cameras rolling and that stunt coordinators were present. He added that LaBella gave her stunt coordinator a “thumbs up” and indicated her willingness to shoot the scene if needed, though it was ultimately filmed with a stand-in.
The lawsuit emphasizes that Costner did not consistently call ”action” or “cut,” leaving LaBella disoriented. The complaint also states that the wardrobe department had not prepared LaBella for her undergarments to be exposed, as they were by Costner’s directions to Ivens.
LaBella described feeling shaken and “terrified” after the experience. She raised concerns with stunt coordinators and the film’s intimacy coordinator, and felt that the production team treated her with kid gloves. Even though she received some apologies, she was allegedly directed to stay in her trailer for several days.
Singer disputes that LaBella complained to the stunt coordinators, stating that she was in good spirits and made no complaints at a dinner the night after the scene. He added that LaBella took stunt coordinator Wade Allen to a thank-you dinner and sent him a text stating “Thank you for these fantastic weeks!”
LaBella was not called back for the third film in the series, and Allen did not hire her again, despite previous collaborations.
the lawsuit alleges that LaBella’s career has come to an “abrupt halt” and that the incident has left her feeling ”disposable” and “worthless.”
LaBella and her attorneys are seeking punitive damages and aim to address the continued failures in Hollywood productions to comprehend and address the impacts of performing in sexually explicit and violent scenes,as well as the need for intimacy coordination.
Jennifer Mondino, the senior director of the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, stated that the guidelines meant to be followed on movie sets were not being followed in this case.
Vagnini added, “If it can happen on a size of a production worth $100 million or more, imagine what happens on smaller ones where you’re really trying to cut corners.”
Singer maintains confidence that Costner will prevail in the case.
What’s next
The legal proceedings will determine the outcome of LaBella’s claims against Costner and the production companies, potentially setting a precedent for safety and consent on film sets. The case highlights the ongoing debate about intimacy coordination and performer protection in the entertainment industry.