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Kevin Costner Addresses Lawsuit from Stuntwoman Devyn LaBella
Actor and director Kevin Costner is vigorously defending himself against a lawsuit filed by stuntwoman Devyn LaBella. She accuses him of orchestrating a ‘violent, unscripted rape scene’ during filming for his upcoming film ‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.’ LaBella alleges that she performed the scene without her consent, which she describes as a profound violation.
Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has firmly denied these claims, asserting that LaBella’s allegations lack merit. He emphasized that LaBella was merely rehearsing for an ‘Insert Shot’ of a scripted scene, which contained no sexual content.
“The scene required only a brief tugging on a dress while Ms. LaBella was fully clothed,” Singer explained. Furthermore, he stated that numerous witnesses contradict LaBella’s assertions, highlighting the strong defense that Costner’s team plans to present in court.
LaBella’s Claims of Workplace Safety Violations
LaBella recently amended her lawsuit, filed on June 18, to include more accusations about the filming process on May 2, 2023. Her legal team asserts that no intimacy or stunt coordinators were present during the contentious scene.
In her statement, LaBella said, “What happened to me on that set was a reckless violation, a breach of consent and of basic workplace safety.” She recounted the shock of being instructed to lie down with another actor without prior rehearsal to prepare for the simulated act, which left her feeling exposed and vulnerable.
Text Messages Reveal Emotional Impact
The recently filed lawsuit includes incriminating text exchanges between LaBella and the film’s intimacy coordinator the following day. In one message, LaBella expressed her distress, stating, “I wanted to discuss yesterday’s abomination when we both have a chance” and summarized how the experience had profoundly affected her.
In response, the intimacy coordinator showed concern, replying, “Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this Devyn… Let’s talk through it.” LaBella also questioned the absence of an intimacy coordinator, asking, “Why was there no intimacy coordinator? Who is gonna take responsibility for the abuse of power?” LaBella’s inquiries reflect her frustration regarding the lack of safety protocols in place during production.
Context of the Lawsuit
The dispute arises from LaBella’s role as the lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, who portrays a central character in ‘Horizon: An American Saga.’ This film marks one installment in a four-part Western series that Costner has co-written, produced, and directed.
LaBella initially filed her lawsuit in May, citing sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation linked to the alleged incident on set. In her complaint, she described the directed scene, stating, “On May 2, 2023, plaintiff Devyn LaBella, a female stunt performer, was the victim of a violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene directed by Kevin Costner.”
Costner’s Attorney Responds
In response to LaBella’s allegations, Singer has strongly maintained that the claims are unfounded. He remarked on the context of the filming, noting that LaBella previously rehearsed another scene the day before, demonstrating that appropriate protocols were observed during parts of the production.
Costs regarding LaBella’s mental health following the incident are referenced in the lawsuit. The papers claim that the unexpected demands placed on her resulted in profound trauma, opening discussions about the emotional toll such workplace scenarios can create for performers.
The amended lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, indicating the serious nature of LaBella’s claims. Additionally, she has requested a jury trial to further address and investigate the circumstances of her allegations.
Costner’s Commitment to Safety on Set
Throughout the legal proceedings, Costner has expressed a commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for all cast and crew members on his films. In an earlier statement, his attorney noted that Costner takes the safety of those on set very seriously.
According to Singer, LaBella reportedly sent a text to her supervisor expressing gratitude for her experiences while working on ‘Horizon 2’, indicating that she was satisfied with her time on set, which diverges from her current narrative.
Looking Ahead
The legal battle between Costner and LaBella continues to develop, bringing to light important issues of consent, workplace safety, and the treatment of staff in the entertainment industry.
The outcome of this lawsuit could offer crucial insights into how such sensitive situations are handled in Hollywood, potentially prompting necessary changes to industry standards and protocols to protect performers.
Costner’s team plans to present their case in a manner that clearly seeks to counter LaBella’s assertions, believing that the evidence will demonstrate the truth behind the accusations.
As this case progresses, it reflects broader conversations about accountability in the industry and the importance of establishing a safe working atmosphere for all creatives.
Fox News Digital’s Ashley Hume contributed to this report.
