Kevin Costner sued by stunt double for sexual harassment over unscripted rape scene in ‘Horizon’

Kevin Costner is among those being sued by a stunt performer over an unscripted rape scene on the set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 in 2023.

As reported by People, Devyn LaBella, who was the stunt double for actor Ella Hunt in the second of Costner’s self-funded westerns, claims that she “was the victim of a violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene directed by Kevin Costner”.

LaBella was hired under a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) agreement to stand in for Hunt “during physical scenes”. The contract does not allow “any last minute requests for nudity or simulated sex”, with producers required to give 48-hour notice and get the performer’s permission ahead of shooting any such scenes, as well as for an intimacy coordinator to always be present.

In her lawsuit – filed in Los Angeles yesterday (May 27) – LaBella claims that she first stood in for Hunt in a scene depicting a sexual assault between her character Juliette and Sig, played by Douglas Smith. She says she was told about this scene in advance, and that it was filmed on May 1 2023 with “no issues”.

The scene in question was shot the next day, May 2 2023. LaBella alleges that she was on set for a “non-intimate scene”, but that Costner added another, unexpected rape scene, where actor Roger Ivens was to, under Costner’s direction, “climb on top of Ms Hunt, violently raking up her skirt”.

LaBella claims that this scene was not on the call sheet for the day, and that Hunt had walked off set (allegedly refusing to do the scene). Costner then asked her to “stand in” for Hunt, “without proper notice, consent, preparation, or safeguard measures in place”.

The lawsuit states that LaBella never gave consent for this scene, and that it was an open set, meaning “anyone” could walk in and “observe the scene being performed”. She also claims she didn’t know when the scene began or ended, because Costner didn’t call “action” or “cut”, and that no stunt or intimacy coordinators were present.

In a statement to People, LaBella said: “On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism.

“What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry. As I continue performing and step into my journey of stunt coordination, I operate with a fierce commitment to upholding the highest standards, creating sets where safety, communication, and consent are non-negotiable. This experience has ignited in me a lifelong mission to be the advocate I once needed, ensuring no one else is ever left as vulnerable as I was.”

The stunt performer’s attorney, Kate McFarlane, stated: “This case is a clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production.

“Our client was subjected to brutal sexual conduct completely unprotected from the obvious harm. This happened despite the fact that there exists standards of conduct and behaviour specifically designed to protect people like Devyn LaBella,” McFarlane continued.

Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has denied the claims, telling People that Costner “always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.”

He called LaBella a “serial accuser”, said her claims have “absolutely no merit”, and that she uses “shakedown tactics”. He also claims “she approved the scene in question after rehearsing with another actor, by giving a “thumbs up”.

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 was released in June 2024 to mixed reviews. Chapter 2 was originally scheduled to hit US cinemas in August 2024, but was removed from its original date due to the first film performing poorly at the box office.

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