Kevin Costner Seeks Dismissal of Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Filed by ‘Horizon’ Stunt Double
Kevin Costner is seeking to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Ella Hunt’s stunt double, who alleges she was forced to perform a “violent, unscheduled rape scene” during the filming of one of the Horizon movies.
Represented by attorneys Marty Singer and T. Wayne Harman, the 70-year-old two-time Oscar winner’s legal team argues that stunt double Devyn LaBella showed “only enthusiasm and gratitude” upon wrapping the unreleased second installment of Horizon: An American Saga. According to court documents, there was “no anger or resentment,” and declarations from cast and crew members contradict LaBella’s allegations. In his own statement, Costner called LaBella’s accusations “absolutely false” and “deeply disappointing.”
The filing includes a text message from LaBella thanking a supervisor, saying, “I so appreciate you! I learned so much and thank you again. I’m really happy it worked out the way it did too. Have a great rest of the shoot and yes talk soon!”
LaBella filed the lawsuit in late May, accusing the Yellowstone star and director of sexual discrimination, a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, failure to prevent or remedy discrimination and harassment, retaliation, interference with civil rights, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and breach of contract.
She claims the controversial scene — performed alongside “6’2″, 220 lbs.” Roger Ivens — was added spontaneously, violating SAG-AFTRA rules and outside the scope of her role as a stunt double, although she “agreed to help.” LaBella also alleged no intimacy coordinators were present during the filming of the scene.
According to the lawsuit, “Defendant Costner directed Mr. Ivens to repeatedly perform a violent simulated rape on Ms. LaBella.”
Costner denies the allegations, stating LaBella was fully clothed at the time and that no nudity, rape, simulated sex, or physical contact occurred between the actors. In June, his lawyers dismissed the lawsuit as “meritless” and noted it had been “contradicted” by multiple witnesses.
