Kevin Costner Sued By Stunt Performer Alleging Unscripted Sexual Assault Scene On The Set Of ‘Horizon 2’

Kevin Costner’s Horizon project has found itself in yet another unfortunate situation.

Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga is quite an ambitious cinematic endeavor that seeks to chronicle America’s westward expansion during the tumultuous years surrounding the Civil War. Conceived by Costner in 1988, this passion project has evolved into a planned four-part epic, with each part delving into the multifaceted experiences of settlers, Native Americans, and pioneers as they navigate the challenges of the American West. The film was the main reason behind Costner’s break from the hit series Yellowstone, which filmed it’s final season without him.

Costner took on multiple roles—director, producer, co-writer, and lead actor—and he even invested $38 million of his own money into the project so far, with an expected personal investment of over $100 million when it’s all said and done. The first two chapters were shot consecutively, with the entire saga envisioned to span approximately 11 hours. Upon completion, Costner plans to re-edit the films into a television miniseries, but the theatrical release of Part 1 garnered mixed reviews and modest box office return of just $38.7 million worldwide. Critics complained that it was painfully long and slow, however Costner has argued that Part 1 was essentially to set the stage for the rest of the story. 

However, Costner, as well as the Horizon Series and Territory Pictures Inc., have now been sued by a former stunt performer, alleging sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, hostile work environment and retaliation, as well as other California Fair Employment and Housing Act violations, intentional infliction of emotional distress and breach of contract.

A stunt performer named Devyn LaBella, has sued Kevin Cosnter over an unscripted sexual assault scene that was filmed on the set of Horizon 2. She alleges that she was forced to perform the scene without any notice or planning, and that the proper protocols were not in place. The lawsuit alleges the scene was filmed on an open set without an intimacy coordinator present.

Her lawsuit also claims that the actress, Ella Hunt (Juliette), refused to participate in the scene, and that’s why she was called in to stand in for Ella. LaBella says she was traumatized and humiliated:

“On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism. What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry.”

The lawsuit notes that LaBella had performed in a scripted sexual assault scene the day before, which featured an intimacy coordinator and a closed set. The lawsuit also states:

“If a producer wants to request any change to what was agreed upon, the performer must be given an additional 48 hours prior to call time.” In this case, production failed to provide Ms. LaBella any notice of the simulated sex act she was expected to perform, much less the contractually required rider.”

In a statement given to Variety, Costner’s attorney claims the lawsuit has no merit and that Costner:

“Always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously. LaBella’s claim has absolutely no merit, and it is completely contradicted by her own actions – and the facts.”

Singer also argues that LaBella had given a “thumbs up” to a stunt coordinator once the scene was explained to her, and that she had sent a “thank you” text message to the stunt coordinator after filming. That alleged text read:

“Thank you for these wonderful weeks! I so appreciate you! I learned so much and thank you again. I’m really happy it worked out the way it did to. Have a great rest of the shoot and yes talk soon!”

LaBella has petitioned the court for compensatory and punitive damages as well as attorney’s fees, in addition to sexual assault training for the defendants, intimacy coordinators on all future movie projects, and a public apology.

Part 2 premiered at Venice Film Festival, but has yet to be released to streaming services after a widespread theater release was scrapped. Part 3 is already in production and LaBella was not invited back.

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