In a surprising turn of events in the film industry, a recent lawsuit has brought Kevin Costner, the renowned actor and filmmaker, into the spotlight for reasons beyond his on-screen performances. A stunt performer, Devyn LaBella, has filed a detailed 27-page legal complaint against Costner and the production team of Horizon: An American Saga, alleging severe misconduct during filming.
The lawsuit claims that LaBella was compelled to participate in a disturbing, unscripted scene involving a non-consensual sexual assault, which she asserts was directed by Costner without prior notice or approval. This incident, which reportedly took place on May 2, 2023, in Utah, has sparked widespread discussions about safety and protocols on film sets.
The film, a passion project of Costner’s, depicts a variety of storylines, including a harrowing scene where a character named Juliette, played by Ella Hunt, is assaulted. According to LaBella, she was called unexpectedly after Hunt refused to perform a newly added scene, and she was asked to perform the scene involving a violent assault without adequate rehearsal or industry-standard safety measures.
“On May 2, 2023, plaintiff Devyn LaBella, a female stunt performer, was the victim of a violent unscripted, unscheduled rape scene directed by Kevin Costner,” the lawsuit states. LaBella further alleges that the scene was not outlined in the call sheet and no intimacy coordinators or safety protocols were employed, which is considered standard practice in sensitive scenes.
Costner’s representatives have responded to the allegations, with attorney Marty Singer stating that LaBella did not raise any concerns at the time of filming. Meanwhile, the incident has ignited debates about the responsibility of directors and production teams to ensure safe working environments, especially during scenes involving intense or controversial content.
LaBella’s career in Hollywood is notable for her extensive stunt work, television appearances, and athletic background. She has contributed to high-profile projects like Barbie, The Rookie, and 9-1-1, and has a history as a gymnast and Junior Olympian. She married director Alex Goyette in 2022, further grounding her within the entertainment industry.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the industry and fans alike are closely watching the developments. The incident raises important questions about consent, safety, and protocol enforcement on film sets.
For those affected by incidents of this nature, resources like The National Sexual Assault Hotline are available to offer support and guidance. The hotline can be reached at 800.656.HOPE (4673), or online at online.rainn.org.
