The ongoing Kevin Costner sexual harassment lawsuit update reveals that the actor is still standing firm against allegations brought by stunt performer Devyn LaBella regarding a scene filmed for Horizon 2 in 2023, with his legal team insisting that the accusations are unfounded and releasing text messages that they say clear Costner of any wrongdoing.
This case surfaced last month when LaBella filed a lawsuit against Costner, claiming that a rehearsed scene left her traumatized and resulted in a public dispute closely watched across Hollywood, with both sides presenting messages, timelines, and witness accounts as evidence.
Costner’s Legal Team Responds to Amended Claims
Attorney Marty Singer, representing Kevin Costner, has publicly rejected the claims Devyn LaBella made in her revised legal filing. According to Singer, the recent lawsuit amendment included additional evidence from LaBella, who alleges sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation stemming from her experience on the Horizon 2 set. LaBella’s new submission featured text exchanges with the film’s intimacy coordinator, attempting to substantiate her trauma.
In response, Singer argued that these texts do not depict any misconduct from Costner, stating bluntly that the scene never unfolded as described by LaBella. Singer further explained the context to the media:
“Ms. LaBella was doing a rehearsal on an Insert Shot for a scripted scene. There was no intimacy or anything sexual in the shot. There was tugging on a dress while she was fully clothed in a dress with long bloomers lying down next to a male actor.”
—Marty Singer, Attorney for Kevin Costner
Text Messages and Witness Statements Challenge the Allegations
Beyond addressing the content of the lawsuit, Costner’s representatives have presented additional evidence intended to discredit LaBella’s version of events. They claim that not only do they possess corroborating witness testimony, but they have obtained “exonerating” messages between LaBella and the film crew that contest the alleged trauma.
One particular message, said to be sent by LaBella to the movie’s supervisor following the shoot, appears positive in tone:
Thank you for these wonderful weeks! I so appreciate you! I learned so much, and thank you again. I’m really happy it worked out the way it did too.
—Devyn LaBella, Stunt Performer, in text message to supervisor
Despite the contents of these messages, LaBella maintains in her lawsuit that Costner bore responsibility, claiming he was
“either involved in or fully aware of every single thing going on.”
She continues to allege that Costner directed what she describes as an unscripted, violent, and unscheduled rape scene, leveraging further texts between herself and intimacy coordinator Celeste Cheney as evidence.
Details Emerge From the Lawsuit and Communications With Film Staff
Reports indicate that LaBella sent explicit complaints to the intimacy coordinator, expressing dismay regarding how the incident was managed:
“I wanted to discuss yesterday’s abomination when we both have a chance … I was put in a really wrong position and it’s really affected me.”
—Devyn LaBella, Stunt Performer, in message to Celeste Cheney
Within these texts, LaBella questions why Cheney was not present during the disputed scene, pointing out her discomfort with the unexpected nature of the wardrobe, as well as why she was made to perform task outside her usual stunt duties, especially given the sensitive subject of the scene.
…non-stunt work, especially given the sensitivity of it.
—Devyn LaBella, Stunt Performer, in message to intimacy coordinator
Sequence of Events Under Scrutiny
The lawsuit details LaBella’s hiring as a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, with her contract specifying responsibilities only for executing stunts and physical scenes. The situation changed in May 2023 when Ella Hunt allegedly opted out of filming an intimate scene with actor Roger Ivens, described in the claim as involving Ivens climbing on top of Hunt and forcibly lifting her skirt.
According to the lawsuit, after Hunt’s refusal, Costner reportedly instructed LaBella to step in for Hunt
“without proper notice, consent, preparation, or appropriate safeguard measures in place.”
LaBella recalls feeling
“reminders of shame, humiliation, and complete lack of control”
following the experience. She took several days away from filming in order to recover and later returned to an environment described as awkward, where she was told to remain in her trailer and avoid the main set.
…climb on top of Ms. Hunt, violently raking up her skirt.
—Account from LaBella’s legal filing
…without proper notice, consent, preparation, or appropriate safeguard measures in place.
—Account from LaBella’s legal filing
…reminders of shame, humiliation, and complete lack of control.
—Devyn LaBella, describing the aftermath of the incident
Costner Discusses Life and Career as Lawsuit Continues
Despite the lawsuit and public controversy, Kevin Costner has continued engaging in interviews and focusing on his work. After the sexual harassment lawsuit became public in May, Costner told PEOPLE magazine that retirement is not a consideration at age 70, citing his ongoing imaginative drive as his guide in the entertainment industry.
Imagination is what determines what I do, not a boss.
—Kevin Costner, Actor and Filmmaker
The Academy Award-winning actor insisted he feels grateful for his successes and noted he does not live according to a bucket list. Looking ahead, Costner told the outlet:
“I don’t have those things. I have that list, [but] I don’t refer to it that way. But certainly my eyes and my enthusiasms are wide open and very big.”
—Kevin Costner, Actor and Filmmaker
Looking Ahead in the High-Profile Legal Dispute
As this Kevin Costner sexual harassment lawsuit update continues to unfold, the core issue pivots on conflicting accounts and the credibility of text messages, with each party citing their own series of messages and witness testimony. Devyn LaBella remains steadfast in her assertions, while Costner’s legal representatives maintain they have ample evidence to contest all allegations.
With Hollywood’s attention fixed on the developments and the careers of individuals like Costner, LaBella, Ella Hunt, and Roger Ivens now entangled in public speculation, observers may expect further disclosures ahead. The court will ultimately decide whose narrative is supported by the evidence, shaping not only the reputations involved, but also ongoing debates over industry safety standards and protocols for sensitive scenes.
