Kevin Costner has filed legal papers to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by stuntwoman Devyn LaBella related to the filming of the upcoming movie Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2. The actor denies the allegations made against him and points to messages suggesting LaBella had a positive experience on set, according to court documents obtained on August 19.
Disputed Incident Involves Alleged Unscripted Scene on Movie Set
LaBella, who worked as a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, claimed she was compelled to perform an unscheduled and unscripted rape scene during filming, which Costner allegedly directed. In response, Costner’s legal team referenced a text message LaBella sent to a supervisor after filming, expressing gratitude and satisfaction with her experience.
“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. Have a great rest of the shoot and yes talk soon!”
—Devyn LaBella
Costner’s lawyers, Marty Singer and T. Wayne Harman, stated,
“There was no anger or resentment, only enthusiasm and gratitude.”
Costner Provides Detailed Account of the Contested Scene
According to Costner’s declaration, the scene in question involved LaBella and actor Roger Ivens inside a covered wagon, lying next to each other. Costner described LaBella as being fully clothed in an ankle-length dress with bike shorts beneath it. He explained that Ivens raised the dress hem and positioned himself above her on all fours but insisted no nudity, rape, simulated sex, or inappropriate physical contact occurred.
He elaborated that while the dress may have shifted up to her knees, it remained below her waist, and the underlayers were untouched. Costner called the allegations “absolutely false” and expressed disappointment regarding the claims.
Background of LaBella’s Allegations and Lawsuit Details
LaBella’s lawsuit was initially filed in May, accusing Costner of sexual discrimination, harassment, and fostering a hostile work atmosphere during filming two years ago. She alleged that she was forced to perform the contentious scene after the actress she doubled for, Hunt, declined to participate upon learning about the violent nature of the action involving Ivens.
In her statement, LaBella claimed she was left vulnerable and betrayed by the production system that promised safety and professionalism.
“left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism,”
she said.
“What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry.”
Legal Responses and Court Exchanges in the Dispute
Costner’s legal representatives issued a statement emphasizing his commitment to set safety and denounced the allegations as baseless, citing contradictions between the lawsuit and LaBella’s own behavior.
“Kevin Costner always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously,”
said Marty Singer.
“However, this claim by Devyn LaBella has absolutely no merit, and it is completely contradicted by her own actions — and the facts.”
The lawsuit has involved an exchange of evidence, including texts LaBella reportedly sent to the production’s intimacy coordinator, who allegedly filed an incident report based on her complaint. Costner’s side maintained there was no sexual or intimate conduct in the scene.
“no intimacy or anything sexual in the shot.”
Stuntwoman Describes Allegations of Abuse and a Broken System
LaBella has accused Costner of attempting to silence her and described the on-set experience as a serious violation of consent and workplace safety.
“What happened to me on that set was a reckless violation — a breach of consent and of basic workplace safety,”
she stated.
“I was told to lie down, and without warning or rehearsal, another actor was brought in to simulate a rape on top of me. My undergarments were exposed. I was left alone afterward, overwhelmed and in shock. Compliance under pressure is not consent. Consent cannot be given after the harm has already begun.”
She outlined the lack of support and response after she spoke out, highlighting systemic failures that allow such misconduct to persist in the industry.
“Once the line is crossed, there is no real choice left to make. I spoke up immediately. And for that, I was met with silence, deflection, and efforts to discredit me. This case is not just about what happened to me. It’s about a broken system that protects those in power and punishes those who speak out. It’s about demanding change, not just for me but for everyone who deserves to work in safety and dignity.”
LaBella concluded with a firm statement about standing up for respect and fair treatment on job sites.
“I will never apologize for demanding the bare minimum — to be treated like a human being at work.”
Ongoing Legal Battle and Its Wider Implications
The legal confrontation between Kevin Costner and Devyn LaBella continues as both sides present competing narratives over the alleged incident on the Horizon set. The case raises critical questions about workplace safety, consent, and accountability in Hollywood productions. The outcome could have significant repercussions for industry policies on stunt coordination and how intimate or sensitive scenes are managed.
