Is a Stunt Performer Suing Kevin Costner Over an Unscripted Rape Scene in ‘Horizon 2’?

Los Angeles, May 28 (NationPress) - A stunt performer involved in the upcoming 2024 western film “Horizon 2” has filed a lawsuit against actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner, alleging that she was compelled to enact an unscripted rape scene without adherence to established safety protocols.

Devyn LaBella, who served as the primary stunt double for Ella Hunt, the actress portraying Juliette in the “Horizon” series, claims in her legal filing that Costner, acting as director, improvised a scene depicting the assault on Hunt’s character, according to reports from variety.com.

The lawsuit indicates that Hunt declined to perform the scene, leading to LaBella being called in as a substitute without prior notice, adequate preparation, or consent, and notably without the presence of an intimacy coordinator, as alleged in the complaint.

LaBella expressed that she felt humiliated and traumatized by the incident, stating, “On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism. What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry.”

The lawsuit claims that the scene breached protocols established by SAG-AFTRA, which includes a requirement for 48 hours’ notice and consent for any scenes involving nudity or simulated intimacy.

The event occurred on May 2, 2023, during filming in Utah. LaBella had participated in a scripted rape scene the day before, which was reportedly handled with professionalism, including rehearsals, an intimacy coordinator's presence, and a closed set.

“This case is a clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production,” commented Kate McFarlane, one of the attorneys for the plaintiff. “Our client was subjected to brutal sexual conduct completely unprotected from the obvious harm.”

Costner has denied the allegations through his attorney, Marty Singer, who stated that Costner “always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.”

“However, this claim by Devyn LaBella has absolutely no merit, and it is completely contradicted by her own actions – and the facts,” Singer stated further.

According to Singer, LaBella was informed about the scene and had given a “thumbs up” to her stunt coordinator after a rehearsal, indicating her readiness to shoot the scene “if needed (which she was not).”

That evening, Singer mentioned that LaBella dined with the stunt coordinators, appeared to be in “good spirits,” and made “no complaints to them.”

LaBella’s lawsuit presents a different account, claiming she sought clarification on why the scene was permitted, as reported by variety.com.

“Upon expressing her outrage and concern, the male attendees blamed her for not speaking up,” the lawsuit alleges.

“She now felt completely alone and disappointed, but, as production was not yet wrapped, Ms. LaBella had to continue working and maintain a professional demeanor.”

In the days following, LaBella reported experiencing emotional distress, including crying spells. She felt uncomfortable as crew members approached her to apologize for Costner’s actions, according to the suit. This eventually led her to seek therapy to process the traumatic incident.

James Vagnini, another attorney for the plaintiffs, noted that the lawsuit aims to highlight “failures at the highest levels of Hollywood production companies to comprehend and address the impacts of performing in sexually explicit and violent ‘scenes’ and the need for intimacy coordination.”

In Costner’s defense, Singer shared a text message from LaBella to the stunt coordinator after the filming concluded: “Thank you for these wonderful weeks! I appreciate you so much! I learned so much and thank you again. I’m really happy it worked out the way it did. Have a great rest of the shoot and yes talk soon!”