Kevin Costner Responds to Lawsuit Over Unscripted Rape Scene in Horizon 2
Stuntwoman Devyn LaBella accuses Kevin Costner of directing a nonconsensual rape scene in Horizon An American Saga – Chapter 2 . Costner’s team denies the claim. Here’s what the lawsuit and defense reveal .
Actor and director Kevin Costner is facing serious allegations after stuntwoman Devyn LaBella amended her lawsuit against the Horizon An American Saga – Chapter 2 production . The revised complaint accuses Costner of orchestrating a violent and unscripted rape scene during filming without consent preparation or proper safety protocols .
Court filings submitted on June 18 2025 claim LaBella was involved in the scene on May 2 2023 which she says violated industry standards and personal boundaries .
Also Read : Austrian Grand Prix Qualifying: Grass Fire Brings Out Red Flag
What Devyn LaBella Alleges
LastMinute Change and No Intimacy Coordinator
According to LaBella the scene was initially intended for lead actress Ella Hunt who allegedly walked off set upon learning about the abrupt changes and refusal to provide an intimacy coordinator . The scene was reportedly reassigned to LaBella at the last minute .
NonConsensual and Distressing Content
LaBella claims Costner instructed her to lie in a wagon where actor Roger Ivens simulated a rape scene by climbing on top of her pulling her skirt and restraining her legs . This occurred without prior consent or a rehearsal and while LaBella was menstruating. She describes the experience as distressing and humiliating .
Absence of Safety Measures
She alleges there was no closed set no presence of a stunt or intimacy coordinator and no verbal cues indicating when the camera began rolling . The scene was filmed in full view of the crew further exacerbating her distress .
Emotional Aftermath
LaBella recounts experiencing trauma anxiety and depression following the incident . She began therapy in June 2023 and continues to struggle with intimacy and mental health as a result . Despite the impact she continued working to maintain professionalism she says .
New Evidence Supports LaBellas Claims
The lawsuit includes text messages sent to intimacy coordinator Celeste Cheney . In them LaBella questions why she was used for a violent intimate scene with no preparation . She also asks who approved the shift in the scenes nature .
Cheney reportedly expressed concern and filed an incident report . The report notes that apologies were extended to both LaBella and Hunt and confirms that production arranged LaBellas flight home and offered additional support after the scene was shot .
Costners Legal Response
Costners lawyer Marty Singer issued a strong rebuttal . He claims the scene was a fully clothed insert shot involving only a tug on LaBellas skirt while she wore bloomers . Singer insists there was no sexual or violent intent and that LaBella gave a thumbs up during filming .
He also released messages in which LaBella thanked the production team calling the shoot wonderful. Singer accuses her of being a serial accuser and calls the allegations specious and meritless .
Industry Standards and Alleged Violations
LaBellas complaint outlines multiple violations of SAGAFTRA guidelines including .
- Failure to provide 48hour notice before filming an intimate scene .
- Lack of a closed set
- Absence of an intimacy coordinator
- No prior rehearsal or written consent
These failures if proven could reflect broader issues in the entertainment industry regarding onset safety and the handling of intimate content .
What LaBella Seeks in the Lawsuit
LaBella is asking the court to
- Award her unspecified financial damages
- Require safety and consent training for the production team
- Mandate use of intimacy coordinators in all future productions
- Compel a public apology
What Comes Next
As of June 28 2025 the case remains in pretrial proceedings with no trial date scheduled . With new evidence and both sides digging in the outcome could shape future standards for actor safety and accountability on film sets .