June 11, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portrait of actor Kevin Costner who stars in "Yellowstone" a modern western series for the Paramount Network. Photographed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY NETWORK
Los Angeles, California – A stunt performer has filed a lawsuit against Kevin Costner and the producers of his film Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, alleging that Kostner forced her to participate in an unscripted and violent simulated rape scene without proper consent, notice, or the presence of a required intimacy coordinator..
Devyn LaBella, who served as the lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, filed her complaint in California on Tuesday. The suit alleges that on May 2, 2023, during production in Utah, Costner improvised a new rape scene without informing LaBella or providing the mandated 48-hour notice required under SAG-AFTRA protocols. Hunt allegedly declined to perform the scene, prompting the production to summon LaBella, who says she was unaware of the whole context or that Hunt had walked off set.
According to the lawsuit, Kostner directed LaBella to lie down in a wagon while a male actor “violently” simulated a rape, including pinning her down and lifting her skirt. The set was not closed to the crew, violating industry standards for such scenes, and no intimacy coordinator was present—despite one being required under both Hunt’s and LaBella’s contracts.
“The scene was broadcast publicly on monitors for the entire crew to witness,” the complaint states. “Anyone could walk by and observe the scene being performed.”
LaBella claims the incident left her “shocked, embarrassed, and humiliated,” adding that she began therapy in June 2023 to cope with the trauma. “I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism,” she said in a statement.
Her suit seeks damages for sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and breach of contract. She also alleges professional retaliation, noting she was not brought back for Horizon 3 or other projects she previously worked on with the film’s stunt coordinator.
Costner has denied the allegations through his attorney, Marty Singer, who called the lawsuit “completely without merit.” Singer contends LaBella gave a “thumbs up” during a rehearsal and remained in good spirits, even sending a thank-you text to the stunt coordinator after the shoot. He added that Costner takes on-set safety seriously.
Attorney James Vagnini, representing LaBella, said the case highlights systemic failures in Hollywood. “This suit is about accountability,” Vagnini said. “It’s about ensuring that safety protocols are followed—especially when performers are asked to enact scenes involving sexual violence.”
Horizon: Chapter 1 was released in 2024 but failed to make back its $100 million budget, much of which Costner self-funded. A release date for Chapter 2 remains unannounced.
