Kevin Costner is facing a lawsuit stemming from an alleged unscripted scene on the set of his western film “Horizon,” with new evidence brought to light as the case unfolds in court. The situation, rooted in a volatile on-set incident in Utah, centers on claims from stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who alleges she was subjected to a traumatic, unscheduled scene directed by Costner in May 2023.
Details of LaBella’s Claims and Text Message Evidence
LaBella amended her original lawsuit on June 18, introducing messages she says were sent to and from the film’s intimacy coordinator immediately after the event. In these messages, LaBella described her experience as distressing and inappropriate, communicating a sense of having been put in an untenable position on set. She directly questioned the circumstances, asking why there was no intimacy coordinator present and pressing for accountability regarding the sensitive nature of the work performed that day.
“I wanted to discuss yesterdays [sic] abomination when we both have a chance,”
—Devyn LaBella, Stunt Performer
“I was put in a really wrong position and it’s really affected me.”
—Devyn LaBella, Stunt Performer
The intimacy coordinator responded sympathetically to LaBella’s concerns.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this Devyn.”
—Intimacy Coordinator
LaBella continued to probe:
“Why was there no intimacy coordinator?”
—Devyn LaBella, Stunt Performer
“Why was a stunt double doing this non stunt work — especially given the sensitivity of it?”
—Devyn LaBella, Stunt Performer
“Who is gonna take responsibility for the abuse of power …”
—Devyn LaBella, Stunt Performer
Alleged Apologies and Responses Following the Incident
The intimacy coordinator documented the fallout in an incident report, stating that apologies were made to both Devyn LaBella and Ella Hunt, whose character LaBella was doubling.
“Apologies were made to Ella [Hunt] and Devyn by various parties involved.”
—Incident Report, Intimacy Coordinator
The report highlighted the lack of structure to these apologies and noted that, while Hunt requested further support from the intimacy coordinator the following week and production agreed, LaBella sought and was granted a flight home so she could seek support from family and friends.
Background of the Filming Dispute on Set
LaBella’s legal filings detail that her initial weeks on the film were uneventful, and she was first assigned to double Hunt in a scripted, aggressive scene involving actor Douglas Smith. That segment, featuring an intimacy coordinator and closed set, reportedly passed without incident.
Trouble arose during a subsequent scene. According to the complaint, on May 2, 2023, LaBella was asked to stand in for Hunt, after Hunt refused to film a scene upon learning it would involve actor Roger Ivens in a violent action not included in the script. LaBella allegedly only discovered the altered choreography as the scene unfolded on camera, and was unprepared for what transpired.
“Costner, who was present on the set, specifically added this scene, which varied from the scene filmed the day before which had not involved pulling up the actor’s skirt.”
—Legal Filing
LaBella noted that she was not a stand-in performer by trade, and was unaware of what she would be asked to do. Her court filing asserts,
“[LaBella] was not a stand-in performer, and what [Costner] requested of her was not within the scope of her role as a stunt double. Nevertheless, and in complete ignorance of the nature of the actual ‘shot’ [Costner] had planned for her, [LaBella] agreed to help out with what she thought would be a quick stand-in shot.”
On-Set Incident and Its Aftermath
As described in court documents, LaBella was allegedly blindsided by Ivens mounting her and violently manipulating her skirt on camera—actions she claimed were both unscripted and unrehearsed, with no intimacy coordinator present.
“As directed by Costner, this unscripted, unrehearsed scene consisted of [Ivens] mounting [LaBella] while miming the unbuttoning of his pants, and using his body and arms to forcibly pin down [LaBella], who was on her back underneath him. [Ivens] violently rustled [LaBella’s] skirt up as if trying to penetrate her against her will and he was directed to pin her legs open with his knee,”
—Legal Filing
Despite reporting her distress, LaBella finished her work on “Horizon” but said she was not asked to return for subsequent productions. She also claimed that, following her complaint, a former friend in the business who worked on the film ended communication and ceased hiring her, allegedly as retribution for reporting sexual harassment on set.
“In retaliation of her complaints of sexual harassment on the set.”
—Legal Filing
Industry and Legal Reactions to LaBella’s Accusations
The suit further alleges that Costner and those representing him made damaging public statements about LaBella.
“Aimed at further destroying her opportunities for work by branding [her] a ‘serial accuser’ and someone looking for a ‘money grab’ because she supposedly ‘never complained or was bothered by the events of what took place on May 2, 2023.’”
—Legal Filing
Her attorney maintains that LaBella
“has never before lodged a claim against any employer.”
—LaBella’s Lawyer
Costner’s legal response dismisses the allegations.
“Kevin Costner always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously,”
—Marty Singer, Attorney
He further argued,
“However, this claim by Devyn LaBella has absolutely no merit, and it is completely contradicted by her own actions — and the facts.”
—Marty Singer, Attorney
Singer emphasized that LaBella continued to work on “Horizon” for several weeks after the alleged incident and maintained social contact with the stunt coordinator, pointing to this as evidence against her claims.
“She continued to work on the movie for a few more weeks until her wrap date, and she took the stunt coordinator to a thank-you dinner.”
—Marty Singer, Attorney
Wider Impact and Outlook for the Case
The serious allegations brought against Kevin Costner and Territory Pictures have fueled concern within film industry circles about on-set safety, especially regarding unscripted intimate or violent scenes. The lawsuit highlights the complex and emotionally charged environment that can arise during large productions, as well as the potential professional and personal repercussions faced by those who speak out. As the court reviews the new evidence and testimony from figures like Devyn LaBella and the involved coordinators, the outcome may set new precedents for film set protocols and standards of care, particularly in scenes with heightened sensitivity or risk.
The case’s result could have implications for future productions, not only involving Costner but for policies adopted across the film industry regarding oversight, consent, and protections for performers in physically and emotionally challenging scenes.
