Kevin Costner Denies ‘Horizon 2’ Rape Scene Allegation: Calls Claims ‘Patently False’ and a ‘Nightmare’
Kevin Costner Responds to ‘Horizon 2’ Lawsuit, Denies Allegations of Unscripted Rape Scene
Kevin Costner is pushing back against a lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who alleges she was pressured into performing an unscripted and inappropriate scene on the set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.
LaBella filed suit in May, accusing Costner of sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment. According to her complaint, Costner allegedly improvised a scene in which another actor straddled her and lifted her skirt aggressively — a sequence she claims was not in the script and violated union-mandated safety and consent protocols. An intimacy coordinator reportedly documented issues with the scene, citing a lack of proper planning, communication, and the absence of a closed set.
On Tuesday, Costner filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, describing the allegations as “patently false” and “deeply disappointing.” In a signed declaration, he argued the suit was designed to damage his reputation and extract a large, undeserved settlement.
“I can only assume the purpose was to use sensationalistic language to embarrass and damage me and the Horizon films in order to gain a massive and unjustified payday,” Costner wrote. “Equally as bad, having to read and respond to false allegations involving the words ‘rape’ and ‘assault’ has been an absolute nightmare.”
Costner emphasized that the scene in question was not a rape scene, nor did it involve any nudity or simulated sexual content.
“This was a single artistic shot meant to imply something that happens off-screen,” he stated. “It was purposefully not a simulated rape scene, as Devyn now falsely claims.”
Costner and his legal team are seeking to have the case dismissed under California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute, which protects creative works and speech related to public interest. His attorney, Marty Singer, argued that Horizon 2, which has yet to be released, explores the historical realities of violence faced by women in the American West — and thus qualifies for protection under the law.
The motion includes declarations from several crew members who claim the scene was neither unusual nor inappropriate. Actor Roger Ivens, who was in the scene with LaBella, said her lawsuit presents a “false and sensationalist” account.
“This was not, in any way, shape, or form, a simulated sex scene,” Ivens said.
Wade Allen, the film’s stunt coordinator, also refuted LaBella’s claims, stating the scene involved “no intimacy, no nudity, no sexual conduct, or movement of any kind.” He added that LaBella appeared enthusiastic and gave him a thumbs-up both before and after the scene was rehearsed.
“At no point that day did she show signs of distress or concern about the stunt,” Allen said.
LaBella’s attorney, James Vagnini, rejected the defense’s narrative, arguing that LaBella’s professional demeanor during filming does not discredit her experience or allegations. He emphasized that other witnesses, including the intimacy coordinator, corroborated her claims.
“This filing is yet more evidence of a powerful Hollywood figure trying to avoid accountability for reckless and harmful conduct,” Vagnini said. “This motion is a desperate attempt to delay the process. Kevin Costner’s own behavior — and the harmful story he’s telling to cover it up — is what’s truly damaging his reputation.”
Even if the anti-SLAPP motion is denied, the legal process may be delayed for months due to the right to an immediate appeal.
