Kevin Costner⁤ Faces Sexual Harassment⁣ Claim on ‘Horizon: An ‍American Saga’

Updated May 28, 2025

Kevin Costner, ⁣already embroiled in a legal dispute with New‍ Line ⁤over co-financing⁢ for ‍his Horizon: ⁢An American Saga franchise, now faces a sexual ‍harassment lawsuit. Stuntwoman Devyn LaBella alleges an unscheduled and “violent unscripted” rape scene during filming.

LaBella,⁤ represented‍ by Hadsell‍ Stormer Renick & Dai and valli Kane & Vagnini, claims the incident occurred on‍ May 2, 2023. She asserts that Costner, as owner ⁢and CEO of Horizon Series, Inc.,⁣ directed‍ the scene, violating SAG-AFTRA protocols.The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and retaliation, seeking unspecified damages for the trauma LaBella says has upended her career.

According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, LaBella, a SAG-AFTRA member ⁣and Barbie alum, was hired as a stunt double for ella hunt in Horizon 2. The suit claims that Hunt refused to perform the scene due to its sudden and violent nature, as well as the lack of an intimacy coordinator.LaBella alleges Costner then asked her to “stand⁣ in” for Hunt.

LaBella states that during the⁣ filming of⁢ the scene, she was attacked repeatedly while Costner experimented with different takes. She⁢ claims the violence escalated with little regard for ⁣her well-being. The suit names New⁢ Line Cinema⁤ and Territory Pictures,‍ Inc., among the⁣ defendants, asserting a‍ “callous indifference” for the law and LaBella’s rights. She further alleges she was ‍blacklisted from subsequent employment on the Horizon series after reporting the incident.

As Defendant Costner directed Mr. Ivens to carry out ⁤the violent assault ⁢over⁤ and over and over again, Ms. LaBella ⁣felt the air ‍pour ‍over her intimate parts ⁤as her⁢ personal undergarments were exposed…There was no⁤ escaping the situation, and ⁣all Ms.LaBella⁢ could do was wait for the nightmare to end.

Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, vehemently denies ⁢the allegations,‍ calling them a “shakedown.” He claims LaBella is ⁣a “serial‍ accuser” and that her⁢ own actions⁤ contradict her claims. ⁤Singer states that⁣ LaBella was informed about the scene, rehearsed it, and gave a “thumbs up” to ‍her stunt coordinator. He also points to⁢ a thank-you text LaBella sent to the stunt⁤ coordinator⁣ after filming.

Our⁢ client Kevin Costner always wants to make sure that ‍everyone is‍ comfortable working ⁣on his films and takes⁢ safety on set very seriously. Though, this claim by Devyn LaBella has absolutely no merit, and it is ⁤indeed completely contradicted by her own actions – and the facts.

LaBella’s attorney, ⁤Kate McFarlane, sees the case as “a clear ⁢example ⁤of male-dominated, sexist ⁤Hollywood movie production.” She argues that LaBella was subjected to brutal sexual ⁣conduct without‍ protection, despite ⁣existing standards designed to prevent such ⁢harm.

What’s next

The lawsuit’s emergence coincides with challenges for the Horizon franchise. Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1 faced disappointing box office ⁣results, and the release date ⁤for⁤ Chapter 2 was‍ shelved after mixed‍ reviews at the Venice Film Festival.The sequel currently lacks a ‍release ⁣date. LaBella’s lawsuit⁣ could proceed to trial before Horizon 2 is released, ‍perhaps impacting the franchise’s future.