Kevin Costner Lawsuit: Actor Calls On-Set Rape Scene Claim ‘Bold-Faced Lie’

“Horizon” Controversy: Kevin Costner is vehemently denying allegations of orchestrating an unscripted rape scene on the set of his upcoming film, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The actor has responded to a lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, calling her claims a “bold-faced lie” and “absolutely false,” as reported by outlets including The Guardian, Vulture, Los Angeles Times, People.com, NewsX, Collider, and RadarOnline.

The Lawsuit’s Allegations

Devyn LaBella’s lawsuit, filed in May 2025, centers around an incident alleged to have occurred on May 2, 2023. LaBella, a stunt double, claims that Costner improvised a scene involving her character, Juliette, being raped. This allegedly took place a day after a scripted rape scene involving a different character had already been filmed. According to the complaint, LaBella was not provided the mandatory 48-hour notice or given consent for a scene involving simulated sex, violating SAG-AFTRA protocols. The suit also states that an intimacy coordinator was not present during the alleged incident.

The lawsuit further details that Ella Hunt, the lead actress, reportedly declined to perform the scene as it was written. LaBella alleges she was then called to the set without being informed of Hunt’s refusal. She claims she was not warned that a new male actor would mount her and violently pull up her skirt. LaBella asserts that Costner directed the actor to repeatedly perform a simulated rape while experimenting with various takes. This lack of preparation and alleged improvisation, according to the lawsuit, caused significant distress and violated industry standards for safety and consent.

Intimacy Coordinator’s Account

Adding weight to LaBella’s claims is the account of Celeste Chaney, the film’s intimacy coordinator. Chaney has corroborated LaBella’s version of events, describing the incident as an “unscheduled, unplanned violent rape scene.” She stated that the scene was “unexpectedly sprung on the actors and stunt professionals,” suggesting a significant breach of protocol and a lack of respect for the performers involved.

Costner’s Strong Denial

Kevin Costner has responded to these allegations with a firm and unequivocal denial. In a legal declaration filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on August 19, 2025, Costner asserts that LaBella’s lawsuit is a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation through false statements and sensationalism. He is seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed under anti-SLAPP laws, which are designed to protect individuals from frivolous lawsuits intended to stifle free speech.

Costner maintains that the scene in question was not a rape scene at all. Instead, he describes it as a “build-up and foretelling of two violent rapes that occur off-screen.” He insists that the scene involved “no nudity, rape, simulated sex or physical contact.” This starkly contrasts with LaBella’s account and sets the stage for a contentious legal battle.

Crew Testimony and Evidence

Costner’s legal team has presented sworn testimony from a dozen crew members, reportedly supporting his version of events. They have also offered photographic evidence that they claim contradicts LaBella’s account. Furthermore, Costner’s team alleges they possess text messages from LaBella expressing “enthusiasm and gratitude” after the filming of the scene in question. The authenticity and context of these text messages will likely be a key point of contention in the legal proceedings.

The Legal Battle Ahead

The lawsuit filed by Devyn LaBella against Kevin Costner raises serious questions about on-set safety, consent, and adherence to SAG-AFTRA protocols. The conflicting accounts of the incident, coupled with the involvement of an intimacy coordinator, create a complex and challenging legal landscape. The court will need to weigh the credibility of the witnesses, examine the available evidence, and determine whether Costner’s actions constituted negligence or a violation of industry standards.

The use of anti-SLAPP laws by Costner adds another layer of complexity to the case. These laws are designed to protect individuals from lawsuits intended to silence them, but they can also be used to dismiss legitimate claims. The court will need to determine whether LaBella’s lawsuit is a genuine attempt to seek redress for alleged harm or a frivolous attempt to damage Costner’s reputation.

Impact and Implications

This lawsuit has the potential to have significant ramifications for the film industry. It highlights the importance of clear communication, informed consent, and adherence to safety protocols on set. The presence of an intimacy coordinator, while becoming increasingly common, is not yet universally mandated, and this case could strengthen the argument for mandatory intimacy coordination on all sets, particularly those involving scenes of a sensitive or intimate nature. The outcome could influence future productions and reshape the landscape of on-set safety regulations.

The he-said, she-said nature of the allegations makes this a particularly difficult case to assess from the outside. The credibility of the witnesses and the interpretation of the evidence will be crucial factors in determining the outcome. The potential for damage to Costner’s reputation, as well as the potential impact on LaBella’s career, underscores the high stakes involved in this legal battle.

Ultimately, the Kevin Costner lawsuit and the allegations of a violent rape scene underscore the critical need for vigilance and accountability within the entertainment industry. Clear policies, open communication, and respect for performers are essential to ensuring a safe and professional working environment. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly shed further light on the events that transpired on the set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 and could have lasting implications for the industry as a whole.