Kevin Costner is facing a lawsuit from stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who claims she was pressured into performing a violent, unscripted scene in the film Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. LaBella alleges that she was caught off guard when Costner improvised a scene where her character, Juliette, was raped, just after filming a separate scripted scene.
In her legal complaint, LaBella states she was not informed in advance that a male actor would assault her during filming. She claims Costner instructed her to “lay down” and directed the male actor to perform simulated rape while he experimented with different takes. This, LaBella argues, violated industry protocols set by the Screen Actors Guild—protocols that require 48 hours’ notice and consent for any scenes involving nudity or sexual content. She also points out that the film’s intimacy coordinator, required for scenes like this, was not present.
In a twist, an intimacy coordinator named Celeste Chaney supports LaBella’s claims. She describes the incident as an unplanned violent scene that was sprung on the actors, emphasizing that LaBella did not consent and lacked proper coverage for safety.
Costner denies the accusations, stating that LaBella’s lawsuit is full of false statements intended to harm his reputation. He cites LaBella’s upbeat message to her supervisor nine days after the incident, claiming it shows she was not upset. Costner’s legal team argues that the lawsuit is nothing more than an opportunistic attempt to capitalize on their film.
LaBella is seeking damages for the emotional distress she claims to have suffered and is asking the court to require an intimacy coordinator for all future productions involving Costner.
This case highlights ongoing discussions about safety and consent in film and television, an area that has gained much attention in recent years. According to a recent survey by the Actors’ Equity Association, 61% of performers reported feeling unsafe during intimate scenes, underscoring the need for stricter protocols in the industry.
Costner’s project, which has seen significant investment, remains a passion for him, despite its rocky reception. The first film in the series, released in June 2024, didn’t perform well at the box office. With such controversies surrounding it, the future of Horizon is uncertain.
This situation not only brings attention to individual experiences but also the broader challenges facing the entertainment industry regarding actor safety and consent, a dialogue that’s likely to continue evolving. For those interested in learning more about this topic, you can find more information in an article from The Guardian.
