Kevin Costner Faces Lawsuit from Stunt Performer
Kevin Costner is being sued by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who claims she was unexpectedly placed in a graphic rape scene without prior warning or adequate safety measures during the filming of “Horizon 2.” The lawsuit was filed in Superior Los Angeles County Court against the Horizon Series, production company Territory Pictures, and Costner, who is the director, producer, and star of the film.
Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Emotional Distress
LaBella, 34, alleges sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in her complaint. The incident reportedly occurred on May 2, 2023, during filming in Utah, leaving her traumatized and impacting her career negatively.
Details About the Scene
The lawsuit describes the scene as “violent, unscripted, unscheduled,” and asserts that all required safety protocols were neglected. LaBella, who had been performing stunts without issue prior to this incident, stated she wasn’t informed of the scene’s violent nature until it was underway. When she was asked to participate, she was not given adequate preparation or consent.
Costner’s Response
Marty Singer, Costner’s attorney, dismissed LaBella’s claims as baseless, stating she had previously indicated her willingness to perform the scene after rehearsal. Singer highlighted that the actions taken during production were consistent with industry standards, contrary to LaBella’s assertions.
Aftermath of the Incident
After the troubling scene, LaBella reported experiencing profound emotional distress and sought therapy for her trauma, which included anxiety and intrusive memories. She felt isolated on set following the incident and was ultimately not hired for subsequent projects.
Call for Change in Industry Standards
The lawsuit aims to spotlight the failures within Hollywood production practices regarding safety and intimacy coordination. LaBella expressed a commitment to advocate for a safer environment in the industry, emphasizing the betrayal she felt and the need for systemic change.
Legal Demands
The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, a public apology to LaBella, and mandates that the defendants undergo training related to sexual harassment and the employment of intimacy coordinators in future productions.
