Stunt performer Devyn LaBella has filed a lawsuit against Kevin Costner and the producers of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, alleging she was coerced into performing a violent, unscripted simulated rape scene without proper notice, consent, or the presence of a mandatory intimacy coordinator. LaBella, who served as a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, claims the scene was improvised by Costner a day after filming a scripted rape scene. According to the lawsuit, Hunt refused to participate in the new scene and left the set, after which LaBella was brought in without knowledge of Hunt’s departure. She states she was asked to perform an unplanned and violent simulated rape scene on an open set, violating industry protocols requiring 48 hours’ notice and closed sets for such content.
LaBella’s attorney describes the incident as an example of sexist practices in Hollywood. The lawsuit seeks damages for sexual harassment, breach of contract, and hostile work environment, citing emotional trauma and the need for therapy.
Kevin Costner, through his attorney Marty Singer, denies the allegations, stating that LaBella had consented to the scene and showed no signs of distress afterward.
This legal action comes amid uncertainty surrounding the future of the Horizon series, after the first installment underperformed at the box office.