A stunt performer has filed a lawsuit against Kevin Costner and the production companies behind his 2024 film, Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two, alleging sexual discrimination, harassment, and a hostile work environment.
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Devyn LaBella, 34, claims she endured a traumatic experience during the filming of an unscripted rape scene directed by Costner. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, has sparked controversy around the acclaimed actor and his Western epic.
LaBella, a seasoned stunt performer with credits on Barbie, Yellowjackets, and The Rookie, alleges the incident occurred on May 2, 2023. According to legal documents obtained by The New York Post and other outlets, she describes the scene as "violent, unscripted, and unscheduled," leaving her shocked and humiliated. She claims the experience shattered her trust in the industry. "I felt exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety," LaBella told The Hollywood Reporter.
Costner Team Denies Allegations
Costner's legal team swiftly dismissed the claims. Attorney Marty Singer called the allegations "baseless" and emphasized Costner's commitment to a safe set. "Kevin Costner prioritizes everyone's comfort and safety on his films," Singer said in a statement to The Post. He argued LaBella's behavior contradicts her claims, citing text messages she allegedly sent after a cast dinner following the scene's rehearsal. The messages, described as cordial and accompanied by heart emojis, reportedly showed LaBella in good spirits.
Singer noted LaBella continued working on the film for weeks until her role concluded. She even took the stunt coordinator to a thank-you dinner, according to Singer.
"Her actions completely undermine these claims," he said. Costner's team provided screenshots of the texts to support their defense.
Impact on LaBella's Career
LaBella's lawsuit also claims she was not rehired for Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Three, which began filming in early 2024. She alleges this decision stemmed from the incident, further damaging her career. The stunt performer described the emotional toll, telling The Hollywood Reporter, "What happened changed how I navigate this industry."
The Horizon franchise, starring Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, and Luke Wilson, has struggled commercially. Both Chapter One and Chapter Two received poor reviews and dismal box office returns since their June 2024 releases. The lawsuit adds another layer of scrutiny to Costner's ambitious project.
