In a shocking development that has sent ripples through Hollywood, stunt performer Devyn LaBella has filed a lawsuit against Kevin Costner, the star, director, and producer of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The lawsuit, filed on May 27, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that LaBella was subjected to a “violent, unscripted, and unscheduled” rape scene during filming without proper warning, consent, or safety protocols. The claims have sparked a heated debate about on-set safety, industry standards, and the responsibilities of filmmakers when handling sensitive scenes. This article delves into the details of the lawsuit, the response from Costner’s team, and the broader implications for the film industry.
Devyn LaBella, a 34-year-old stunt performer who served as the lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt in Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, claims she was blindsided by an unscripted scene that took place on May 2, 2023, during filming in Utah. According to the lawsuit, LaBella was called to the set expecting to perform routine, non-intimate stunt work for Hunt’s character, Juliette. Instead, she alleges that Costner directed a male actor to pin her down on a wagon and simulate a violent rape scene, with no prior notice, rehearsal, or choreography. The complaint states that Costner instructed the actor to “repeatedly perform a violent simulated rape” while experimenting with different camera angles and takes, leaving LaBella feeling “shocked, exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed.”
The lawsuit further claims that the scene was filmed on an open set, meaning crew members and passersby could observe, and that no intimacy coordinator—a professional required under industry guidelines to oversee scenes involving nudity or simulated sex—was present. LaBella alleges that this violated contractual agreements with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which mandates 48 hours’ notice and performer consent for such scenes. The day prior, LaBella had filmed a scripted sexual assault scene with proper protocols, including rehearsals, a closed set, and an intimacy coordinator, which she completed without issue. The contrast between the two experiences, she claims, underscores the negligence of the production team in the unscripted scene.
LaBella’s lawsuit names Costner, the Horizon series, and production company Territory Pictures as defendants, alleging sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She claims the incident caused permanent trauma, derailed her career, and led to retaliation, as she was not hired for subsequent Horizon projects despite previous collaborations with stunt coordinator Wade Allen. LaBella is seeking a public apology, unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and stricter safety measures for future productions.
Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, issued a statement on May 28, 2025, dismissing LaBella’s claims as “absolutely without merit” and “completely contradicted by her own actions.” Singer emphasized that Costner prioritizes safety and comfort on his sets, and he alleged that LaBella was informed about the scene in question. According to Singer, LaBella gave a “thumbs up” to her stunt coordinator after rehearsing the scene and indicated her willingness to perform it, though she ultimately was not required to do so. Singer also provided text messages allegedly sent by LaBella to Wade Allen, thanking him for the “wonderful weeks” on set and expressing appreciation for the experience, suggesting her behavior did not reflect distress at the time.
Singer further characterized LaBella as a “serial accuser” who has worked with the same lawyer on previous claims, accusing her of employing “shakedown tactics.” While these assertions aim to discredit LaBella’s allegations, they have also drawn criticism for appearing to dismiss the serious nature of her claims without addressing the specific violations of SAG-AFTRA protocols.
Horizon: An American Saga is a four-part Western epic that represents a decades-long passion project for Kevin Costner. The series, which Costner wrote, directed, produced, and stars in, chronicles the settlement of the American West before and after the Civil War. The first film, released in June 2024, underperformed at the box office, grossing only $36.1 million against a $100 million budget, leading to the indefinite postponement of Chapter 2’s theatrical release. Costner has invested heavily in the project, reportedly contributing between $38 million and $50 million of his own money, even mortgaging his Santa Barbara mansion to finance it.
Despite its financial struggles, Horizon has garnered attention for its ambitious scope and star-studded cast, including Sienna Miller, Luke Wilson, and Ella Hunt. However, the lawsuit adds to the project’s challenges, which already include a separate arbitration claim from New Line Cinema over alleged breaches in a co-financing agreement. The legal troubles threaten to overshadow Costner’s vision for the franchise, which he has described as a deeply personal endeavor.
LaBella’s lawsuit highlights critical issues in the film industry, particularly around the treatment of stunt performers and the enforcement of safety protocols. Stunt work is inherently high-risk, and performers rely on clear communication, proper planning, and adherence to union guidelines to ensure their physical and emotional safety. The absence of an intimacy coordinator—a relatively new but increasingly standard role in Hollywood—during the alleged unscripted scene raises questions about compliance with SAG-AFTRA’s requirements for scenes involving nudity or simulated sex.
The case also underscores the power dynamics on film sets, where directors and producers wield significant influence. LaBella’s claim that she felt “disposable” and “worthless” after the incident speaks to the vulnerability of stunt performers, who often work in high-pressure environments with limited job security. Her allegations of retaliation, including not being hired for Horizon: Chapter 3, further highlight the potential consequences for performers who speak out against misconduct.
The controversy has sparked discussions on social media, with some X users condemning the alleged incident as an example of “toxic masculinity” in Hollywood, while others await further details before forming opinions. The debate reflects broader concerns about accountability and the need for systemic changes to protect performers, particularly in scenes involving sensitive or violent content.
As the lawsuit progresses, it will likely draw significant attention to both LaBella’s claims and Costner’s response. The case could set a precedent for how studios and filmmakers handle sensitive scenes and ensure compliance with industry standards. For LaBella, the lawsuit represents a fight for justice and recognition of the trauma she alleges she endured. For Costner, it poses a reputational and financial risk, especially as he navigates the already uncertain future of the Horizon franchise.
The third and fourth chapters of Horizon: An American Saga remain in limbo, with Chapter 3 partially filmed but lacking full financing. The legal and financial challenges, combined with the poor box office performance of Chapter 1, cast doubt on whether Costner’s vision for the series will come to fruition. Meanwhile, LaBella’s lawsuit serves as a reminder of the human cost behind ambitious cinematic endeavors and the importance of prioritizing performer safety.
The lawsuit filed by Devyn LaBella against Kevin Costner and the Horizon production team has brought to light serious allegations about on-set misconduct and the failure to follow industry protocols. As the case unfolds, it will likely fuel discussions about safety, consent, and accountability in Hollywood. For now, the future of Horizon: An American Saga remains uncertain, but the controversy underscores the need for greater transparency and protections in the film industry.
For more details on the lawsuit, read the full reports from NBC News and The New York Times. To learn more about SAG-AFTRA’s guidelines for intimate scenes, visit SAG-AFTRA’s official website.
In a shocking development that has sent ripples through Hollywood, stunt performer Devyn LaBella has filed a lawsuit against Kevin Costner, the star, director, and producer of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The lawsuit, filed on May 27, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that LaBella was subjected to a “violent, unscripted, and unscheduled” rape scene during filming without proper warning, consent, or safety protocols. This article explores the details of the allegations, Costner’s response, and the broader implications for the film industry.
Devyn LaBella, a 34-year-old stunt performer and lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, claims she was blindsided by an unscripted rape scene on May 2, 2023, during filming in Utah. According to the lawsuit, LaBella expected to perform routine stunt work but was instead directed by Costner to participate in a violent, unrehearsed scene simulating rape. The complaint alleges that the scene violated SAG-AFTRA guidelines, lacked an intimacy coordinator, and was filmed on an open set, causing LaBella significant trauma.
Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has dismissed the claims as “absolutely without merit,” asserting that LaBella was informed about the scene and gave her approval to perform it. Singer provided text messages allegedly sent by LaBella expressing gratitude for her time on set, suggesting her behavior did not indicate distress. He also accused LaBella of being a “serial accuser” using “shakedown tactics.”
Horizon: An American Saga is a four-part Western epic directed, written, produced, and starring Kevin Costner. The project, a long-time passion of Costner’s, has faced financial challenges, with Chapter 1 grossing only $36.1 million against a $100 million budget. The lawsuit adds to existing legal troubles, including a dispute with New Line Cinema over financing.
The case highlights critical issues around stunt performer safety, the role of intimacy coordinators, and power dynamics on film sets. LaBella’s allegations of retaliation and trauma underscore the need for stricter adherence to industry standards and better protections for performers.
The lawsuit against Kevin Costner and the Horizon production team raises important questions about safety and accountability in Hollywood. As the case progresses, it may influence how sensitive scenes are handled in future productions.
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