In simpler terms, Kevin Costner is asking for a dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a stuntwoman who alleged that he forced her to act out an unplanned sexual assault scene during the filming of his TV series, “Horizon.
In a lawsuit filed in May, Devyn LaBella claimed that she experienced an unexpected and violent rape incident on the set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, which was being directed by Kevin Costner, while standing in for actress Ella Hunt in May 2023.
As your trusted lifestyle advisor, let me share a recent update from one of our industry peers: In a revised court submission made on June 18th, LaBella has added personal communications, including text exchanges with the film’s intimacy consultant, as well as vivid narratives detailing the intense feelings of discomfort she claims to have felt following the conclusion of the scene.
Last month, my legal representative, Marty Singer, refuted her claims to The Daily Mail, branding LaBella’s story as false. He emphasized that there was neither an intimate encounter nor any sexual activity during the scene we both filmed together.
Currently, Costner’s legal representatives have submitted fresh court papers (acquired by The Daily Mail) that argue for the complete dismissal of LaBella’s complaint.
They claim that LaBella appeared content on the filming location and subsequently sent an enthusiastically thankful message to a superior upon completion of the shoot, while simultaneously providing their take on the events surrounding the controversial scene in question.
As stated by Costner’s declaration, the scene from the script featured LaBella donning bike shorts beneath a long dress, reclining alongside actor Roger Ivens while both were fully dressed inside a covered wagon.
As an ardent admirer, let me share my perspective: Costner claimed the sequence stopped at Ivens raising her skirt and mounting, positioning herself such that he found himself in a quadrupedal stance above her.
His statement emphasizes that there was no display of nudity, simulated sexual acts, simulated rape, physical combat, suggestive dancing, or any form of physical contact other than Devyn’s dress being moved from her ankles to her knees.”
the declaration highlights that there was no inappropriate physicality in the scene other than Devyn’s dress being moved.
Additionally, he points out that although the excess material of Devyn’s dress collected around her knees due to its voluminous nature, the dress itself never rose above her waist. Moreover, the pantaloons and petticoats beneath remained untouched throughout this occurrence.
According to his account, LaBella was aware of what was going to occur and willingly chose to assist in blocking the shot beforehand.
In addition to directing, co-writing, producing, and acting in the film ‘Horizon’, Costner also presented statements from other actors and team members that went against LaBella’s account.
Furthermore, he asserted that after wrapping up, LaBella texted his supervisor: ‘Thank you for these fantastic weeks! I am extremely grateful to you! I’ve learned so much and thank you once again. I’m genuinely pleased things turned out this way as well. Wish you a wonderful rest of the shoot and yes, let’s talk soon!’
In a nearly two-month timeframe following LaBella’s persistent claims and legal team’s reinforcement of their allegations, Costner’s latest submission was made. They accused Singer, Costner, and the other defendants named in her lawsuit of orchestrating an attempt to suppress and discredit her, while simultaneously trying to suppress ‘undeniable evidence’ she presented.
In a statement, LaBella expressed that his experience on the set was an irresponsible infringement, a clear disregard for both consent and fundamental workplace safety standards. (Date: June 25, Daily Mail)
I was instructed to lie down unexpectedly, and another actor suddenly joined me, pretending to assault me. My intimate clothing became visible during this ordeal. Afterward, I was left alone, feeling stunned and traumatized. Consenting under duress is not valid consent, and one cannot offer agreement once the harm has already started.
LaBella went on saying, ‘Crossing that boundary leaves no room for further decisions. I acted swiftly and voiced my concerns. In response, I encountered only silence, diversion tactics, and attempts to undermine my credibility.’
This situation isn’t solely about my personal experience. It’s about exposing a flawed system that shields the powerful while silencing whistleblowers. It’s about advocating for reform, not merely for my sake, but for all who should be able to work in an environment free from harm and with respect.
‘On that film set, something was not right. It should be clear: I took a stand. I spoke the truth. And I will never back down from asking for basic respect – simply to be treated as a fellow human in the workplace.’
Her lawyers, James A. Vagnini and Kate McFarlane, both made similar remarks supporting LaBella’s assertions.
Or, more concisely:
Her attorneys, James A. Vagnini and Kate McFarlane, corroborated LaBella’s claims.
These options maintain the original meaning while making the sentence easier to read and understand.
According to Vagnini, unlike what Singer stated, Labella promptly voiced her objections to the distressing event that occurred on set. There is substantial proof, including text messages and a report from the intimacy coordinator, that backs up her version of events.
As a devoted supporter, I find that the Defendants have fallen short in every conceivable aspect, according to Vagnini. Their approach, much like the Defendants themselves, seems outdated, devoid of substance, and lacking in genuine meaning.
As a lifestyle expert, I often find myself reflecting on the impact of accountability in our lives. It seems that far too many men continue to walk the path of denial and avoidance, only to end up facing legal consequences. Here’s the thing: Taking responsibility for one’s actions, offering a sincere apology, and making amends can truly be transformative. The question I pose is not about how many more must suffer these consequences, but rather when will more men choose this path of accountability? It may be a long journey, but it’s one that leads to growth, understanding, and ultimately, a healthier society for all.
McFarlane took things a step further, alleging that Costner and the group aimed at damaging LaBella’s reputation through a form of character defamation.
Instead, McFarlane noted, it’s hardly unexpected. History shows us that, when faced with consequences for their actions that negatively impact others, many men in this field often shift the focus of the discussion instead of accepting responsibility.
In the supplementary lawsuit, there’s proof indicating that Miss LaBella bravely voiced her ordeal straight after it occurred. To this day, she continues to display that same bravery in her ongoing struggle.
In LaBella’s revised lawsuit, there’s a conversation that she claims to have had with the intimacy coordinator for the 2024 movie, Celeste Cheney, which took place a day following the filming of the controversial ‘rape scene’.
LaBella, at 30 years old, expressed his desire to talk about yesterday’s unfortunate event when it’s convenient for both parties, as evidenced by the screenshots of his messages, according to a report in US Weekly.
Upon seeing the number associated with Cheney, it replies apologetically: “Oh dear, I’m truly sorry, Devyn. Let’s discuss this.
According to the complaint, LaBella then listed more than a dozen questions regarding the scene.
She inquired, “Why wasn’t an intimacy advisor present?” She also questioned, “Why was a stunt performer handling work that didn’t require stunts, considering its sensitive nature? Was there any lack of pre-scene planning or preparation?
I can’t help but wonder, why wasn’t the set sealed off?” I persistently pondered. “How on earth did filming a simple shot transform into something as disturbing as a rape sequence?” This is what baffles me the most. “Who was the guy from the camera crew giving those unscripted directions?” Such events should have never occurred.
In a concluding manner, LaBella posed the question to Cheney, “Who will accept accountability for the misuse of authority, negligence, and lack of knowledge on the set?
In a different conversation, LaBella informed Cheney that she had discussed the issue with the line producer of the film, who was identified as ‘Marshelle’. According to her, they had apologized for the reported incident.
Essentially, LaBella’s summary indicates that Kevin had a lengthy discussion with Ella yesterday during which Kevin was accused of being outdated and responsible for the situation. He was advised to modernize himself and promised not to repeat the mistake. Additionally, an apology is expected from him.
Cheney responded: ‘Thanks for the update. I’m glad Jeff came to you and apologized.’
In the updated filing, it was detailed that Cheney’s summary highlighted LaBella’s grievances concerning her on-set treatment.
In the report, Cheney stated that ‘Ella [Hunt] and Devyn received apologies from different parties concerned, a few days following the event.’
In an informal manner, Cheney stated that the apology process wasn’t structured or standardized. Ideally, apologies should come from Costner, the first assistant director, and other key individuals, addressing both Ella and Devyn.
As a committed follower, I shared Ella’s [Hunt] suggestion to reinstate the intimacy coordinator for additional assistance the upcoming week. Fortunately, the production team agreed. Similarly, I advocated for Devyn’s request to cover her travel expenses for an early return home, allowing her to receive emotional support from family and friends. Gratefully, the production team granted her wish.
Singer blasted LaBella’s amended complaint in a scornful statement on June 24.
According to him, during a rehearsal, Ms. LaBella was preparing an insert shot for a pre-written scene. It’s important to note that this shot did not contain any intimate or sexually suggestive content.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that situation like this: “While I was comfortably lounging next to a male co-star, there was an instance where my dress had a slight pull, given that I was wearing a dress with long bloomers.
In a text message after wrapping up the final day of shooting, Singer said that LaBella expressed gratitude to her superior for ‘such great weeks.’
‘Numerous witnesses have contradicted Ms. LaBella’s meritless claims,’ he further charged.
‘We look forward to the swift end of this specious lawsuit.’
Previously, as mentioned in late May, it was reported by The Daily Mail that LaBella took legal action against Costner (aged 70) and Territory Pictures due to issues she encountered during the production of the Western film series, directed by Costner.
According to the court case, LaBella claims that she was employed as a stand-in for the primary actress of Horizon 2, Ella Hunt, under a contract with SAG. Her role involved substituting for Hunt during action sequences, which included carrying out stunts, as stated in the claim.
As stated in LaBella’s grievance, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) prohibits last-minute demands for nudity or simulated sexual scenes. The movie’s producers are obligated to provide a 48-hour warning for any alterations in this regard.
It is necessary to obtain the performer’s consent for any modifications concerning intimate scenes, as stipulated in Hunt’s contract. Additionally, there was always a coordinator present during intimacy scenes, according to the complaint.
She stated that for the initial few weeks of shooting, there were no problems reported. However, an alleged incident occurred on May 2, 2023, during a rape scene that seemed unscripted and unscheduled, which she claimed was improvised spontaneously by Costner without any prior notice.
According to the lawsuit, it’s claimed that Hunt initially declined to enact the particular scene. Subsequently, LaBella was reportedly asked to step in, without any prior notice, preparation, or approval, and without the presence of an intimacy coordinator, as alleged in the court documents.
In the complaint, it’s alleged that a male actor was instructed to forcefully lift her onto him, hold her down, and aggressively raise her skirt high. The document further claims that during this incident, the film set remained open to others.
LaBella alleges the experience left her humiliated and traumatized.
The lawsuit alleges that LaBella acted out a staged sexual assault scene yesterday, but it was managed in a proficient manner.
In that scene, there were rehearsals, an intimacy coordinator was present, and the set was closed.
At that point, Singer flatly refused LaBella’s allegations, asserting they hold ‘no substance whatsoever’ and are ‘directly opposed by her own behaviors and the evidence.’
As an ardent devotee, I can’t help but express my dismay over Singer’s accusations towards LaBella. He claims she resorted to underhand tactics, dubbed ‘shakedown,’ to extort his high-profile client. Furthermore, he labels her as a repeated accuser in the entertainment industry – a title that, in my opinion, seems rather unfair and overly dramatic.
One of LaBella’s lawyers, Cassidy Geoghegan, communicated to Daily Mail earlier that LaBella had never initiated a lawsuit, not even against an employer or any prominent figure in Hollywood.
Moreover, Geoghegan noted that LaBella had earlier been granted financial aid for tuition, following a court settlement over a class-action lawsuit against a renowned actor’s drama school.
Exclusive report from The Daily Mail: A legal action, detailed here, involves a lawsuit originally filed against actor James Franco and his former acting school, Studio 4. The lawsuit alleges that Franco behaved inappropriately and exploited students sexually, as claimed by ex-pupils.
Franco admitted no fault, yet chose to resolve the dispute by paying out a total of $2.2 million. Approximately $1.3 million from that amount was earmarked specifically for refunding tuition fees for students enrolled at Studio 4 between 2014 and 2017.
In a 2018 article published by the Los Angeles Times, it was first revealed that LaBella stated to the news outlet that roles in Franco’s productions, typically smaller ones, were frequently reserved exclusively for Studio 4 students. However, these roles often demanded additional work or nudity.
At that point in time, LaBella didn’t have a talent agency representing her. So, when she saw an opportunity presenting itself, she thought, “Since I probably won’t get invited to quality auditions due to lack of representation, this could be my chance.
LaBella mentioned that she, along with her fellow classmates, submitted their audition videos online. However, she didn’t hear back from anyone she knew after doing so.
It’s unclear how much LaBella recouped from the class action.
However, LaBella’s legal representative refuted the assertions made by Singer, stating that her client does not have a damaging reputation within Hollywood.
According to Geoghegan, she boasts an impressive history of reliable professional performance, even during her time on Costner’s film set.
‘Within 24 hours after the occurrence, she filed a report about it. A month later, she put forth her legal demands following the end of filming. Since then, she’s been persistently chasing these demands and has remained steadfast in her determination to resolve this issue.’
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2025-08-19 19:09