Background of the Lawsuit and Allegations
The lawsuit against Kevin Costner arises from allegations made by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who claims to have been subjected to an unscripted and violent scene during the filming of *Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.* LaBella filed the lawsuit in May 2023, seeking damages for what she describes as a severe breach of trust and safety on set.
According to the complaint, LaBella was brought in to act as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt. She alleges that what was planned as a choreographed scene escalated into an unscripted, aggressive act directed by Costner, who purportedly ordered changes without proper notification or consent.
LaBella’s legal action also implicates the production companies behind *Horizon* as defendants. She contends that established protocols intended to protect performers were ignored, emphasizing the need for clear communication and consent, particularly regarding intimate scenes which should have been coordinated properly.
Following the alleged incident, LaBella reported feeling a profound emotional toll, with severe anxiety and a sense of betrayal affecting her well-being and work life. Her attorney highlighted that this lawsuit serves as an example of ongoing issues within Hollywood concerning safety and the treatment of women in production environments.
Details of the On-Set Incident and Claims
On May 2, 2023, Devyn LaBella found herself at the center of a shocking incident while filming Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. Initially hired as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt, LaBella alleges she was thrust into a violent, unscripted scene directed by none other than Kevin Costner, an event that diverged sharply from her agreed-upon role.
LaBella detailed that she had been informed about performing a «scripted, aggressive and intimate rape scene» the day before. However, the following day, without proper notice or consent, she was allegedly asked to substitute for Hunt in a scene that was not listed on the call sheet. The rapid changes reportedly violated industry standards regarding intimacy coordination, leaving LaBella vulnerable on set.
After the unsettling experience, LaBella claimed she suffered emotional distress, including feelings of shame and humiliation. Her lawsuit describes how the incident disrupted her career and necessitated therapy for symptoms like sleep disturbances and anxiety. Determined to ensure something similar never happens again, she expressed her commitment to advocating for safer work environments in the industry.
Reactions and Responses from Key Figures in the Case
Devyn LaBella expressed her strong feelings about the alleged incident stating it shattered her trust and sense of safety in the industry. She emphasized her commitment to advocating for better safety protocols, ensuring that future sets prioritize consent, communication, and protection.
LaBella’s legal representatives highlighted the pervasive issue of sexism in Hollywood. They underscored that such conduct remains a significant problem, as LaBella’s case exemplifies the neglect for safety that stunt performers often face. Attorney Kate McFarlane emphasized that standards exist to prevent such conduct but were allegedly ignored in this scenario.
In response, Kevin Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, dismissed LaBella’s claims as meritless. He argued that she had previously approved the scene after rehearsals and was in good spirits during filming. Singer criticized LaBella’s character, accusing her of employing «shakedown tactics» in pursuit of damages.
The entertainment community has been closely monitoring the lawsuit, with reactions ranging from disappointment to curiosity. Some industry insiders support LaBella’s advocacy for better intimacy coordination, while others defend Costner, citing past behavior that reflects a commitment to on-set safety. The ongoing case serves as a crucial reflection of Hollywood’s evolving attitudes toward on-set conduct and performer welfare.
