Kevin Costner is facing a serious legal battle. A stunt performer named Devyn LaBella has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him. Costner’s lawyer has called the claims a “shakedown,” and now Costner himself is pushing for the case to be dismissed.
In a statement filed in Los Angeles, Costner refuted LaBella’s allegations about a violent scene that supposedly took place on the set of his upcoming film Horizon II. He claims her accusations are entirely false, aimed at damaging his reputation. He argues that the lawsuit uses exaggerated claims to achieve financial gain.
LaBella’s lawsuit, filed in late May 2025, follows her previous complaint to the California Civil Rights Department. She states that during the filming of a scene, she was coerced into participating in an unscripted act of sexual violence, which she alleges caused significant trauma and disruption in her career.
LaBella is seeking unspecified damages and wants the court to require all involved parties to undergo training on anti-sexual harassment and anti-sexual violence. She has support from Celeste Chaney, an intimacy coordinator who also worked on Horizon. Chaney labeled the incident as unplanned, suggesting that safety protocols were ignored. Her testimony claims that LaBella did not give consent for the scene and did not have adequate protective garments.
Costner’s team dismissed these claims, arguing that the lawsuit is baseless. They have submitted evidence, including testimonies from various crew members, to support their position. Costner expressed his disappointment over the allegations, claiming they are damaging and false.
According to a study by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the entertainment industry has a long way to go when it comes to protecting stunt performers and ensuring safe working environments. This incident highlights ongoing discussions around safety and consent in film production, reflecting a broader movement advocating for stronger protections in Hollywood.
Costner’s film, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, initially premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Despite significant investment, it struggled at the box office, raising questions about the future of the Horizon series. As of now, Horizon II remains unreleased, and filming for the next installment, Horizon III, has not yet begun.
The legal proceedings and their implications offer a glimpse into the challenges facing actors and production teams regarding workplace safety and personal integrity. As this case unfolds, it will likely draw attention not only for its content but also for how it may influence future industry standards.
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Ella Hunt,Horizon: An American Saga,Kevin Costner,Marty Singer,WME,Yellowstone
