Kevin Costner has filed a motion to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, related to the production of his Western film Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2. The actor and filmmaker described the allegations as “absolutely false” in a declaration submitted on Monday.
The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court in May, accuses Costner and other unidentified crew members of sexual discrimination, harassment, and creating a hostile work environment. LaBella, who was a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt’s character, alleges she was forced to perform a violent, unscripted rape scene during filming. Costner, who wrote, directed, and stars in the film, has denied all claims.
Details of the Alleged Incident and Costner’s Response
The controversy centers on a contentious scene portraying the lead-up to the rape of Juliette, Hunt’s character, by two other characters, Sig and Birke. According to Costner’s motion to dismiss, the scene in question was a brief, rehearsed moment rather than a fully filmed scene. LaBella allegedly knew the extent of the performance ahead of time and volunteered to rehearse it while in costume. The filing adds that LaBella was only present for the rehearsal because the usual stand-in for Hunt was not dressed in character at that time, and LaBella did not film the actual shot.
Costner’s lawyers submitted 11 sworn declarations from cast and crew members, including cinematographer Jim Muro, stunt coordinator Wade Allen, and actor Roger Ivens, all supporting Costner’s version of events. These affidavits dispute LaBella’s allegations and assert that her claims were created to harm Costner’s reputation.
“My belief is that Devyn’s claims were designed, through the use of false statements and sensationalistic language, to damage my reputation,”
Costner stated.
“These allegations are so patently false I can only assume that the purpose was to use this sensationalistic language to embarrass and damage me and the Horizon movies on an ongoing basis in order to gain a massive and unjustified payday.”
Legal Arguments Against the Sexual Harassment Allegations
The defense argues that the incident fails to meet legal criteria for sexual harassment because LaBella was not subject to any quid pro quo demands or a hostile work environment. They emphasize that the scene was scripted violence rather than an explicit depiction of sexual assault, designed to avoid graphic imagery while maintaining narrative impact.
Costner further clarified that as a director, he strives to handle scenes involving violence or sex carefully and without unnecessary explicitness. He noted the film’s approach to the rape scenes involved showing only the buildup and aftermath without nudity or simulated sex, aimed at preserving audience sensitivity.
“As a director, I do not believe that it is always necessary to be graphic in the depiction of violence or scenes involving sex,”
he explained.
“I have historically looked for opportunities to avoid being graphic when possible and still have the same impact on audiences. Horizon has been no different. To that end, even though the character Juliette suffers two violent, demoralizing rapes in the narrative, I was able to achieve that goal. The audience sees only the lead up and the aftermath; there is no nudity or simulated sex.”
Film’s Release History and Pending Developments
Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2 premiered at the Venice Film Festival last September and had a screening at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February. Originally scheduled for a theatrical release a year ago, the film’s debut was postponed after the first installment underperformed at the box office. Distributor New Line Cinema later removed it from their release calendar.
The lawsuit and Costner’s dismissal motion spotlight ongoing tensions surrounding the production, highlighting the challenges faced when tackling sensitive material in film. Legal proceedings are expected to continue, with further statements from involved parties yet to be released.
