Movies

Kevin Costner talks about working with women after being sued by Horizon stunt double over ‘unscripted’ rape scene

BBG News

As a devoted fan, I find myself reflecting on the recent revelations from Kevin Costner regarding his collaboration with female actors, following the lawsuit filed against him by a stuntwoman from his latest production, Horizon. The controversy surrounds an allegedly unplanned and aggressive depiction of a rape scene in the film.

On Friday, the 70-year-old celebrity took part in a question-and-answer session with Michael Strahan at the Fanatics Fest in New York City.

The 53-year-old host of Good Morning America inquired about how he managed to incorporate romantic plotlines within his sports and western movies.

Costner also brought up the movie that was the subject of his recent legal dispute during his remarks, stating: “For me, a movie isn’t complete without a female character. Even in my western films like ‘Horizon,’ the stories are heavily influenced by women.

In simpler terms, among all activities, such as movies, video games, and professional sports, they stand out the most to me because they require an intense three-hour commitment.

In other words, he explained that for the sports films he’s been involved with, frequently the personal lives of his characters away from the playing field are more intriguing than their performances on it.

Costner elaborated: ‘In essence, they spend the whole year training, yet they lead lives beyond their on-field personas. It is in these off-stage moments that much of the drama unfolds.’

‘And I think in the sports movies, I think I’ve always felt the need to have women.’

His remarks were made only a few weeks following an ongoing legal dispute, triggered by a female stunt performer who worked on his $100 million Western production, Horizon. She has taken legal action, alleging sexual harassment against him and the movie’s creators.

In May 2023, during the production of the second and last movie of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, Devyn LaBella claims she experienced an unexpected rape scene on set without prior warning.

As reported by DailyMail.com from court documents, LaBella filed her lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday, alleging that she was subjected to an unexpected, unplanned rape scene that was directed by Kevin Costner.

In their statement, LaBella asserted they had not given approval for the incident in question, which they claim resulted in lasting distress, and they pointed out that no intimacy supervisor was on set at the time.

The outlet reports that LaBella is ‘suing for an undisclosed amount and wants a trial by jury.’

In response to LaBella’s allegations, Kevin Costner’s lawyer, Marty Singer, labeled her as a repeated accuser and forcefully denied the claims, stating that they hold ‘completely no validity,’ according to his declaration.

He mentioned that Costner is diligent about ensuring a comfortable work environment for everyone involved in his movie productions, and he places great emphasis on safety during filming.

The performer claimed that LaBella employed extortion-like methods, further stating that she had previously coordinated and practiced the scene with a different actor before it was recorded.

Additionally, he stated that she appeared cheerful following the event and thanked Horizon’s stunt coordinator for the chance through a text message.

According to a supposed message, as shared with PEOPLE, it is claimed that LaBella allegedly sent cartwheeling and heart-shaped hand emojis to the stunt coordinator.

Singer concluded: ‘The facts are clear and we are beyond confident that Kevin will prevail.’

In a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, the stuntwoman asserted that she was brought on board for the second installment of “Horizon” to perform stunts for Ella Hunt.

According to the terms of my contract with SAG (Screen Actors Guild), I’ve been tasked with serving as a stand-in for the actress during any physically demanding scenes, as well as for all stunt work. It’s an exciting role that allows me to contribute to the production in unique ways!

As stated in LaBella’s grievance, it is forbidden for last-minute demands regarding nudity or simulated sexual scenes to occur under the rules set by SAG. The film’s production team should be required to provide a 48-hour notice before making any changes in this regard.

It is necessary to secure the performer’s consent for any alterations concerning intimate or sensitive scenes as well.

It was additionally stated that a ‘supervisor for all intimate scenes’ was specified as a necessity in Hunt’s agreement.

During the shooting process and without any mishaps, LaBella was asked to step in for Hunt during a scripted, intense and emotionally charged scene that involved a simulated, forceful, and intimate sexual assault. This request was made because of the physically demanding nature of this particular scene.

On May 1, 2023, as depicted in the lawsuit, the setting featured the characters of Juliette (portrayed by Hunt) and Sig (played by Douglas Smith), with the scene being captured for filming.

The scene reportedly ‘wrapped’ with ‘no issues’ following multiple takes.

The following day, as reported by LaBella who has worked on projects such as Barbie (2023) and American Horror Stories on FX, she claimed that she revisited the set of Horizon 2 for a scene that was not of an intimate nature.

However, according to LaBella, it was asserted that Director Costner, reportedly present that day, inserted a scene depicting Roger Ivens’ character inappropriately touching Juliette, played by Hunt.

Costner allegedly directed Ivens to ‘climb on top of Ms. Hunt, violently raking up her skirt.’

In her court case, Labella claims the scene wasn’t included in the daily schedule. It is alleged that Costner requested Labella to substitute for Hunt without providing advance warning, consent, preparation time, or adequate protective precautions.

She claimed that such a request ‘was not within the scope of her role as a stunt double.’

In addition, LaBella claimed that she didn’t know that Hunt herself had declined to perform the scene – and it was further asserted that the actress had reportedly gone so far as to leave the set entirely.

In her own words, LaBella stated that she hadn’t agreed to enact the scene as described, arguing that it bore little resemblance to the choreographed rape scene filmed on May 1, 2023.

Additionally, what made her unease even more intense was the rumored open-set nature of the movie production, potentially allowing anyone to stroll onto the set and watch the unfolding scenes.

LaBella asserted that Costner failed to say ‘action’ or ‘cut’ while filming a particular scene, leaving her uncertain when the scene started or finished. Additionally, she stated that neither the stunt coordinator nor the intimacy coordinator were present during the unplanned scene and were not informed about it beforehand.

According to her lawsuit, the scene had a profound effect on LaBella. It is claimed that she emotionally collapsed and was reminded of feelings of embarrassment, humiliation, and powerlessness.

LaBella stated that she found it uncomfortable upon her return to the set following a few days of absence, and she was apparently instructed to keep away from the set and confine herself to her trailer on her own.

Additionally, she asserted that the individuals responsible for the production continued to justify Costner’s actions during the rest of the filming process.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but echo LaBella’s heartfelt words when she shares her experience of the unfortunate event. It’s left an indelible mark on her life, one that she must grapple with for an extended period. This is not just a wound that will heal in time, but a deep scar that demands her attention and care for years to come.

In June 2023, she admitted to experiencing sleep problems, fear of intimacy, and anxiety, leading her to consult with a therapist for assistance.

That day, I found myself vulnerable, without shield or support, bitterly let down by a system that assured security and integrity. The events that unfolded for me destroyed my faith and fundamentally altered my approach within this field,” she expressed in a statement to PEOPLE on Tuesday.

In the course of my progression as a performer and embarking on the path of stunt coordination, I strive relentlessly to maintain top-tier quality, ensuring that each set is characterized by unwavering safety, open dialogue, and mutual consent as fundamental values.

This encounter sparked within me an enduring commitment to serve as the champion others like me lacked, safeguarding so that no one else experiences the vulnerability I did.

James A. Vagnini, LaBella’s lawyer, described the lawsuit as a symbol of an ongoing, deeply ingrained problem within the Hollywood industry.

Kate McFarlane, another attorney for LaBella, stated that this case is an unmistakable demonstration of the male-centric and sexist nature of movie production in Hollywood.

McFarlane stated that our client suffered a horrific, unprotected sexual act with no safeguard against the evident harm, which transpired even though there are established guidelines for appropriate conduct and behavior intended exactly for individuals like Devyn LaBella.

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2025-06-21 03:49

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