A Hollywood Icon Faces Legal Controversy
Academy Award–winning actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner is facing legal trouble following a lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devyn LaBella.
The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in May 2025, alleges that Costner and the production companies behind Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 engaged in misconduct and unsafe working conditions during the filming of a simulated sexual assault scene.
Costner, 70, has denied all accusations, calling them “absolutely false” and part of an effort to damage his reputation.
Background: The Making of Horizon: An American Saga
Horizon: An American Saga is Costner’s passion project — an epic Western film series he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in.
The first installment premiered in 2024, with Chapter 2 initially slated for release in 2025.
The lawsuit now places the second chapter under scrutiny, raising questions about on-set safety, union compliance, and intimacy coordination standards in the film industry.
The Allegations Filed by Devyn LaBella
According to court documents obtained by multiple outlets (including People, ABC7, and Deadline), LaBella alleges that:
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She was asked to perform a violent, unscripted simulated rape scene without prior notice.
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There was no intimacy coordinator present, a safeguard required by many modern productions.
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The scene was not included on the call sheet, meaning it wasn’t properly scheduled or disclosed.
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She suffered emotional trauma and humiliation as a result.
The lawsuit accuses Costner and his production companies of sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and failure to maintain a safe workplace.
What the Scene Allegedly Entailed
LaBella’s complaint describes a moment in which her male scene partner was directed to perform physical actions that simulated a sexual assault — actions she claims went beyond the agreed choreography.
She says she was caught off guard by the scene’s intensity and lack of preparation, alleging that standard consent and safety protocols were ignored.
Lack of Intimacy Coordinator at Issue
The lawsuit highlights the absence of an intimacy coordinator, a role now considered essential for scenes involving sexual content or nudity.
This issue has been at the center of multiple industry reforms in recent years, following movements that demand better protections for actors and stunt professionals.
If proven true, the lack of such oversight could represent a violation of SAG-AFTRA’s on-set safety guidelines.
Costner’s Legal Response: “Absolutely False”
In response to the allegations, Kevin Costner’s legal team filed a motion to dismiss, calling the claims “absolutely false and defamatory.”
His attorney stated that:
“The scene in question was properly explained, rehearsed, and performed with full awareness and consent from all involved parties.”
Costner maintains that the incident has been mischaracterized, arguing that LaBella was informed in advance and gave a “thumbs up” during a rehearsal.
Producers Join Costner in Denial
Production representatives for Horizon echoed Costner’s statement, saying the film “followed all applicable safety and industry standards.”
They also noted that the scene in question was filmed under controlled conditions, with crew limits and supervision in place.
Union and Industry Implications
The lawsuit has sparked discussions across Hollywood about whether even high-profile productions are following new safety and consent protocols for actors.
SAG-AFTRA has not publicly commented on the ongoing litigation but has reiterated its stance on the mandatory use of intimacy coordinators during sensitive scenes.
This case may serve as a key test for how the entertainment industry enforces those guidelines.
Impact on the Horizon Franchise
The Horizon saga was already under pressure, following lukewarm box office returns and production delays.
With this lawsuit gaining international attention, there’s speculation about how it may affect future installments — especially given that Costner invested tens of millions of dollars of his own money into the series.
For now, Chapter 2’s release date remains uncertain.
Public Reaction: A Divided Audience
The public’s response to the lawsuit has been mixed.
Some have expressed support for LaBella, praising her for speaking up about on-set misconduct.
Others have defended Costner, citing his decades-long reputation for professionalism and leadership in the industry.
Social media commentary reflects this split, with fans emphasizing the importance of due process while also calling for accountability in film production practices.
Similar Cases in Hollywood
This lawsuit isn’t the first to address alleged misconduct involving unscripted or poorly supervised intimate scenes.
In recent years, several actors and stunt performers have filed similar claims — not necessarily accusing intentional assault, but rather unsafe conditions or breaches of protocol.
The case underscores a growing industry trend: actors demanding safer, consent-based filmmaking environments.
Media Coverage and Misinformation
Since the filing, numerous online outlets and social media posts have circulated incomplete or misleading versions of the story.
Industry watchdogs urge readers to rely only on verified sources, such as AP News, Deadline, People, and Variety, which have confirmed the lawsuit’s existence and both sides’ official statements.
The Case’s Current Status
As of October 2025, the lawsuit is ongoing.
Costner’s legal team has filed a motion to dismiss under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which protects individuals from lawsuits that may chill free speech or artistic expression.
A court date for further proceedings has not yet been set.
Potential Outcomes
Legal experts say the case could unfold in several ways:
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Dismissal: if the court finds insufficient evidence of harassment or intent.
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Settlement: a common outcome in such disputes to avoid extended litigation.
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Trial: if the judge allows the claims to move forward.
Regardless of the result, the case may influence how the film industry regulates intimacy direction and stunt coordination moving forward.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for On-Set Safety
The Kevin Costner lawsuit is more than just a headline — it’s a reflection of how Hollywood continues to evolve after decades of scrutiny regarding consent and workplace culture.
While the facts remain contested, the case underscores a universal truth in modern entertainment:
safety, transparency, and communication are no longer optional — they’re essential.
For Kevin Costner, this lawsuit represents a serious challenge to his legacy as both a filmmaker and industry leader.
For Hollywood, it’s another reminder that no production, no matter how prestigious, is above accountability.
FAQs
1. Who filed the lawsuit against Kevin Costner?
Stunt performer Devyn LaBella filed the suit in Los Angeles in May 2025.
2. What are the main allegations?
LaBella alleges that she was directed to perform a non-consensual simulated rape scene without proper notice, rehearsal, or an intimacy coordinator present.
3. How has Kevin Costner responded?
Costner has categorically denied all allegations, calling them false and defamatory.
4. Is the case still active?
Yes. As of October 2025, the case remains pending in Los Angeles Superior Court.
5. How could this affect Hollywood productions?
The outcome may shape industry safety standards and reinforce mandatory consent practices for scenes involving intimacy or violence.
