What Happened?
Actor and director Kevin Costner is facing a lawsuit from stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who alleges that he improvised a non-consensual and violent rape scene during the filming of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.
LaBella, who was standing in for actress Ella Hunt, claims the scene was not scripted, and she was not informed about it beforehand. According to the lawsuit, Costner instructed a male actor to physically assault her in character — including pinning her down and pulling up her skirt — in front of the crew, without prior warning or the use of an intimacy coordinator, as required by SAG-AFTRA guidelines.
Violation of Industry Rules
The allegations include that:
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No 48-hour notice was given (a SAG-AFTRA requirement for intimate scenes).
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There was no closed set, which is mandatory for filming nudity or simulated sex.
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An intimacy coordinator was not present during the scene.
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The original actress refused to film the scene, prompting Costner to use LaBella instead.
Emotional and Professional Fallout
LaBella claims the experience caused her:
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Emotional trauma and humiliation
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Fear of retaliation in the industry
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The need to undergo therapy and counseling
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Career disruption due to blacklisting concerns
What She’s Suing For
The lawsuit accuses Costner and the production team of:
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Sexual harassment
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Creating a hostile work environment
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Sexual battery
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Negligence
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Intentional infliction of emotional distress
She is demanding compensatory and punitive damages, and requesting a jury trial.
Costner’s Response
Kevin Costner, through his attorney, has denied all allegations, calling the claims:
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“Absolutely baseless”
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A “shakedown tactic”
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In contradiction to a text message LaBella allegedly sent thanking the crew after the shoot
Costner’s legal team argues that she consented during rehearsals and that safety protocols were followed.
Why This Matters
This case brings renewed attention to:
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Power imbalances between actors and directors
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On-set safety and consent practices
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The need for clear communication and proper safeguards when filming sensitive scenes
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The role of intimacy coordinators in protecting performers
What’s Next?
The lawsuit is currently moving through the Los Angeles Superior Court. If it proceeds to trial, it could have a major impact on how Hollywood handles intimate or high-risk scenes moving forward.
