Kevin Costner’s Attorney Addresses Lawsuit Alleging Unscripted Violent Scene
Kevin Costner Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Unscripted Violent Scene in Horizon: An American Saga
Kevin Costner is facing a lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who claims she was subjected to a “violent, unscripted, and unscheduled” rape scene while working on Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The suit, filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, names Costner—who directed, co-wrote, and stars in the film—as well as its production companies.
LaBella, 34, alleges the experience caused lasting trauma and derailed her career. A professional stunt performer and former gymnast, she has worked in the industry since at least 2020, with credits on Barbie, American Horror Story, Yellowjackets, and CSI: Vegas.
According to the lawsuit, LaBella was hired as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt during the production of the second installment of the Horizon series, filmed in May 2023. A planned sexual assault scene had been rehearsed in advance with an intimacy coordinator present and a limited crew, as per industry protocols.
However, the lawsuit claims that the following day, Costner unexpectedly directed an actor to simulate a rape scene involving LaBella, pinning her against a wagon without prior notice or consent. The suit alleges multiple takes were ordered, with no clear communication about when filming began or ended.
“There was no escaping the situation, and all Ms. LaBella could do was wait for the nightmare to end,” the complaint states.
Costner’s attorney, Martin Singer, strongly denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “shakedown.” In a statement, Singer described LaBella as a “serial accuser” in the entertainment industry and claimed her actions after filming contradict her legal claims.
As evidence, Singer shared a text message allegedly sent by LaBella to stunt coordinator Wade Allen, in which she expressed gratitude for the experience, writing: “Thank you for these wonderful weeks!”
The lawsuit further alleges that after the disputed scene, LaBella returned to Los Angeles to recover emotionally. Upon returning to the set, she claims she was asked to remain in her trailer and kept away from other crew members, which she says deepened her emotional distress.
LaBella and her legal team are seeking monetary damages to be determined at trial. The lawsuit also requests a public apology, mandatory sexual harassment training for the defendants, and the requirement of an intimacy coordinator on all future productions.
Horizon: An American Saga is a planned four-part Western series. The first film was released in June 2024 but underperformed at the box office. The second installment has yet to receive a wide release, having only been screened at two film festivals to date.
