An empty film set highlighting the need for better safety protocols in Hollywood.
Actor Kevin Costner is facing a lawsuit from stunt double Devyn LaBella, alleging she was unexpectedly involved in a violent and unscripted rape scene during the filming of ‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.’ The lawsuit claims severe emotional distress and aims for unspecified damages along with better oversight for sensitive scenes in film production. Costner’s attorney has dismissed the claims as meritless, labeling LaBella a ‘serial accuser.’ The lawsuit raises significant concerns about safety protocols in the industry regarding sexual content and harassment.
Los Angeles — Actor Kevin Costner is facing a lawsuit filed by stunt double Devyn LaBella in the Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that she was unexpectedly involved in a violent and unscripted rape scene while filming “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” in May 2023. The lawsuit highlights serious claims against Costner and co-defendants including Horizon Series Inc., Horizon Series 2 LLC, and Territory Pictures Inc.
LaBella alleges that the incident, which occurred during a scene that had not been included in the original script, left her with severe emotional distress and permanent trauma. She is pursuing unspecified damages, an apology from the defendants, and mandatory anti-sexual harassment and violence training for the involved parties.
According to the details provided in the lawsuit, Costner introduced the unscripted scene on the day of filming, despite having previously choreographed a different scene lacking any sexual content. LaBella was reportedly not informed that lead actress Ella Hunt had walked off the set after refusing to participate in the new scene, forcing LaBella to take on the role instead.
Witnesses, including producers, are stated to have observed the incident unfold via monitors in the video village. Following the event, LaBella experienced shock, embarrassment, and humiliation, which prompted her to return home to process the situation. In light of her subsequent complaints regarding sexual harassment, LaBella was not invited back for “Horizon 3,” which began filming in early 2024.
The lawsuit claims that LaBella began therapy in June 2023 to cope with various symptoms stemming from the incident, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, and fears of intimacy. She also emphasizes that the scene was conducted without an intimacy coordinator, a common safety measure during sensitive content filming.
The legal action alleges multiple offenses, including sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, a hostile work environment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and breach of contract against several parties associated with the production. LaBella contends that her career has suffered significantly since the incident, as she has reportedly been unable to secure roles in subsequent projects. In her lawsuit, she expressed feelings of betrayal by an industry that professes safety and professionalism.
In response to the allegations, Costner’s attorney dismissed them, labeling LaBella a “serial accuser” and asserting that she endorsed the scene prior to its filming. The representation claims LaBella appeared to be in good spirits after the filming session and argues that her claims lack merit.
Specific references in the lawsuit indicate that applicable SAG-AFTRA regulations, requiring a 48-hour notice and consent for any last-minute changes that involve nudity or sexual content, were not adhered to during the incident. This raises further questions regarding the handling of sensitive scenes by production teams within Hollywood.
LaBella’s lawsuit not only outlines her individual circumstances but also serves to highlight broader issues within the industry concerning the management of sexually explicit scenes. It calls attention to the necessity for better oversight and the implementation of standard protocols, including the appointment of intimacy coordinators, in order to protect the well-being of all performers involved.
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