Opening Scene: A Cloud Over the Prairie
In the quiet deserts of Utah, where Kevin Costner’s vision for Horizon: An American Saga took shape, a different kind of story was brewing. It wasn’t about cowboys or pioneers—it was about a courtroom, consent, and a scene that was never meant to be shot.
On May 2, 2023, stuntwoman Devyn LaBella says she stepped onto set expecting to do her job as planned. What followed, she alleges, was an “unscripted, non-consensual rape scene” that blindsided her emotionally and physically.
Her words in the amended lawsuit are chilling:
“I had no preparation, no warning, no opportunity to consent. It was not in the script.”
For an industry that has fought hard to put intimacy safety protocols in place, the accusations strike a nerve.
The Allegations in Detail
According to court documents, LaBella claims:
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The scene was not in the official script
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No intimacy coordinator was present during filming
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She was pressured to proceed, without adequate explanation
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She suffered emotional trauma and physical discomfort afterward
Her legal team also included text messages from the intimacy coordinator—allegedly showing confusion about the scene itself.
The lawsuit describes the experience as “an abomination” and “a violation of trust.”
Costner’s Side of the Story
Kevin Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, was quick to respond:
“These allegations are false, defamatory, and unsupported by fact. Ms. LaBella’s own messages after filming expressed satisfaction with the work.”
Singer also pointed out that Costner was not the only decision-maker on set, and that the scene in question was handled “professionally.”
The defense maintains that no unscripted intimate act occurred, and that the lawsuit is an attempt to gain publicity or leverage.
Why This Is So Explosive
On the surface, this could be viewed as just another Hollywood dispute. But the context matters:
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Costner was both star and director of Horizon: Chapter 2
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The Western saga is his passion project, with over $38 million of his own money invested
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Intimacy safety in Hollywood has been a major industry focus since the #MeToo era
If the lawsuit gains traction, it could not only damage his personal reputation but also halt the release of the next Horizon films.
The Industry’s Reaction
Reactions have been mixed:
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Some stunt performers voiced support for LaBella, saying “unscripted” is a word no actor wants to hear in intimate scenes.
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Others defended Costner, citing his decades-long reputation as a respectful colleague.
One Hollywood stunt coordinator told Variety:
“If this happened as described, it’s unacceptable. But I’ve worked with Kevin, and I’ve never seen anything like that from him.”
The Legal Road Ahead
As of now:
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The case is moving into pre-trial discovery
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LaBella’s team is pushing for video evidence from set cameras
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Costner’s side is preparing a motion to dismiss
Given the stakes—both financial and reputational—this could become one of the most publicized Hollywood lawsuits of the decade.
Kevin Costner’s Career Stakes
This scandal arrives at a delicate time:
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He’s just stepped away from Yellowstone, sparking rumors of on-set tensions
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Horizon: Chapter 1 underperformed at the box office
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He’s in the middle of a creative gamble that could either cement his legacy or tarnish it permanently
In a recent interview about his work ethic, Costner once said:
“I don’t cut corners. I try to tell the truth in my movies. But when you’re the boss, you take the hits when they come.”
This might be the biggest “hit” yet.
Cultural Significance
Why does this matter beyond Hollywood gossip?
Because it’s about trust on set—between performer and director, between contract and reality. If LaBella’s story holds up, it could prompt even stricter enforcement of intimacy protocols across the industry.
And if it doesn’t, it may fuel a different narrative: that some high-profile lawsuits are more about headlines than justice.
Looking Ahead
No matter the verdict, this case will likely be studied in film schools and legal seminars alike—as a cautionary tale about leadership, ethics, and the weight of responsibility when cameras roll.
FAQs
Q: Was the alleged scene actually filmed?
A: Yes, according to LaBella, it was filmed in full. Costner’s team disputes that it was unscripted or non-consensual.
Q: Is this the only lawsuit tied to Horizon?
A: No. There are also disputes over unpaid costume fees and distribution issues.
Q: Has Kevin Costner spoken publicly about the case?
A: Beyond his lawyer’s statements, Costner himself has remained publicly silent.
Q: Could this delay Horizon: Chapter 2?
A: Potentially, especially if court proceedings extend into the film’s post-production schedule.
