Hollywood actor Kevin Costner has been sued by a female stunt performer who alleges she was subjected to an unrehearsed intimate scene during the filming of
“Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2,”
raising the question of whether this case could establish a new standard in the film industry regarding on-set protocols. The lawsuit claims key guidelines and the presence of an intimacy coordinator were ignored, causing concern around the safety of actors during challenging scenes and highlighting the issue: Kevin Costner sued over unrehearsed intimate scene.
Details of the Lawsuit Against Kevin Costner
According to reports, the legal action involves a stunt performer named Devyn LaBella, who has several years of experience in film work. LaBella, 34, has a background as a gymnast and frequently engages in stunt work, emphasizing the importance of industry safety rules. The allegations revolve around her involvement as a stand-in for actress Ella Hunt. LaBella claims that, in 2023, she was asked to participate in a scene branded as a planned sexual assault for the film “Horizon.”
The lawsuit makes the central grievance that proper industry rules were disregarded during filming. LaBella contends that standard procedures, including rehearsals and the involvement of key personnel such as an intimacy coordinator, were not followed. She asserts that she was exposed to a situation on set without appropriate warning, preparation, or safeguards in place.
Allegations of Poorly Managed and Unscripted Scene
The lawsuit describes an incident in which Kevin Costner allegedly initiated a violent scene, bypassing usual industry protocols. According to claims from the legal documents,
“The scene was initiated with no warning, rehearsal, or choreography.”
—Lawsuit Document
Further allegations indicate that Costner directed another actor to restrain LaBella on a wagon and simulate sexual violence, with the sequence being performed multiple times. LaBella reportedly endured this without the option to refuse, describing her experience as deeply distressing. She claims the lack of rehearsal or clear choreography left her feeling trapped, equating the shoot to a traumatic ordeal.
Kevin Costner and Production Response
Representatives for Kevin Costner have refuted the allegations, arguing that LaBella was aware of the content and expectations for the scene prior to filming. The production’s legal team highlights that LaBella continued her employment for several weeks after the alleged incident, suggesting she did not express immediate concern.
“She continued to work on the movie for a few more weeks until her wrap date, and she took the stunt co-ordinator to a thank-you dinner.”
—Costner’s Legal Representative
The company also stated that LaBella provided consent for the sequence in question, and no internal complaint was made after filming the contentious scene. With the lawsuit still under review, the financial implications of a potential settlement remain undetermined and will depend on the court’s findings.
Will This Lawsuit Change Movie Industry Practices?
While women in stunt work have previously won lawsuits for accidents or injuries, claims relating to unrehearsed intimate scenes are rare in Hollywood. To succeed, LaBella would need to demonstrate that production companies or individuals failed to maintain a safe environment, or that actions taken amounted to harassment or assault under legal definitions.
This high-profile lawsuit, given Kevin Costner’s status, could attract widespread attention and possibly set a significant legal example for future stunt performers confronting similar grievances. As the court process unfolds, industry professionals and observers are likely to watch closely to see if the case influences future filmmaking procedures and the expectations placed on actors and production crews regarding sensitive content.
