Kevin Costner’s Legal Battles: A Closer Look at His Courtroom Drama
Kevin Costner, renowned for his roles in Dances with Wolves and Yellowstone, has not only made headlines for his acting but also for his involvement in various legal disputes over the years. From contractual disagreements to personal disputes, Costner’s legal challenges have been as varied as his filmography. In this article, we delve into some of the most notable legal battles involving the actor.
1. The ‘Horizon’ Stuntwoman Lawsuit
In May 2023, stuntwoman Devyn LaBella filed a lawsuit against Kevin Costner, alleging that she was subjected to an unscripted and violent rape scene during the filming of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. LaBella, who was serving as a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, claimed that the scene deviated from the previously agreed-upon script and was performed without prior consent or the presence of an intimacy coordinator. She further alleged that the incident caused lasting emotional distress. Costner’s legal team denied the allegations, asserting that LaBella had consented to the scene and had not raised any objections during or after the filming .
2. The ‘Swing Vote’ Copyright Dispute
In 2008, a lawsuit was filed against Kevin Costner, co-financier Kelsey Grammer, and the Walt Disney Company over the film Swing Vote. Bradley Blakeman, a former deputy assistant for appointments and scheduling to President George W. Bush, claimed that the plot and marketing elements of Swing Vote were stolen from a screenplay he had submitted titled Go November. The case was eventually settled, with the judge dismissing Blakeman’s claims against Costner and Disney .
3. The ‘Open Range’ Profit Dispute
In 2019, Kevin Costner filed a lawsuit against Cobalt Media Group and Kew Media Group, alleging that he had been shorted millions in profits from the 2003 film Open Range. Costner claimed that the distributors had failed to provide proper accounting statements and had underreported earnings, resulting in at least $9.7 million in missing income. The lawsuit was based on breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and other claims .
4. The ‘Tatanka’ Sculpture Dispute
In 2023, the South Dakota Supreme Court ruled in favor of Kevin Costner in a breach of contract case involving artist Peggy Detmers. Detmers had sued Costner, alleging that he had breached an agreement by not permanently displaying sculptures she had created for a resort called The Dunbar. The court found that Costner had not breached the contract, as the sculptures were displayed at his Tatanka attraction, which was a separate project from The Dunbar .
5. The ‘Mahee Worldwide Ventures’ Lawsuit
In 2007, Kevin Costner initiated legal proceedings against Mahee Worldwide Ventures, a music promoter, claiming that the company had failed to honor a deal to book the Kevin Costner Band for up to five shows a year and maintain a marketing website. The case was dismissed in 2010 after Mahee filed for bankruptcy, revealing that the company had no assets .
Conclusion
Kevin Costner’s legal battles reflect the complexities and challenges that public figures often face in both their professional and personal lives. While some disputes have been resolved in his favor, others have highlighted the contentious nature of the entertainment industry. As Costner continues his career, it remains to be seen how these legal experiences will influence his future endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the ‘Horizon’ lawsuit about?
A: The lawsuit involves stuntwoman Devyn LaBella alleging that she was subjected to an unscripted and violent rape scene during the filming of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.
Q2: Did Kevin Costner win the ‘Swing Vote’ lawsuit?
A: The case was settled, with the judge dismissing Bradley Blakeman’s claims against Costner and Disney.
Q3: What was the ‘Open Range’ profit dispute about?
A: Kevin Costner alleged that distributors underreported earnings from the film Open Range, resulting in at least $9.7 million in missing income.
Q4: What was the ‘Tatanka’ sculpture dispute?
A: Artist Peggy Detmers sued Costner, claiming he breached an agreement by not permanently displaying sculptures she created for a resort called The Dunbar. The court ruled in Costner’s favor.
Q5: What happened with the ‘Mahee Worldwide Ventures’ lawsuit?
A: Kevin Costner sued the company for failing to honor a deal to book the Kevin Costner Band for shows. The case was dismissed after the company filed for bankruptcy.
