Kevin Costner Addresses Working with Women Following Horizon Stunt Double’s Lawsuit Over ‘Unscripted’ Rape Scene

Kevin Costner Addresses Working with Women Amidst Stunt Double Lawsuit
[Image: Kevin Costner at Fanatics Fest in New York City, caption: "Costner discussed women’s roles in films during a Q&A with Michael Strahan."]

Kevin Costner, 70, recently spoke about the importance of women in his films at Fanatics Fest in New York, just weeks after a stunt double on his Western epic Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him. During the Q&A with Michael Strahan, Costner emphasized, “You can’t have a movie without having a girl. Even in my westerns like Horizon, it’s dominated by women—they make the best stories.” He also reflected on blending romance into sports films, noting athletes’ off-field lives as rich dramatic material.

Lawsuit Allegations Surface
[Image: Devyn LaBella, caption: "Stunt double Devyn LaBella alleges an unscripted rape scene left her traumatized."]

However, the event followed a legal challenge from stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who claims she was subjected to a “violent, unscripted rape scene” directed by Costner in May 2023. Hired as a double for actress Ella Hunt, LaBella’s lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges the scene was added without her consent, proper notice, or an intimacy coordinator—a violation of SAG-AFTRA protocols. She asserts the incident caused “permanent trauma,” leading to anxiety and therapy.

Costner’s Defense
Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, dismissed the claims as a “shakedown,” stating LaBella rehearsed the scene beforehand and sent positive post-filming texts to the stunt team, including heart and cartwheel emojis. Singer emphasized Costner’s commitment to on-set safety and called LaBella a “serial accuser,” vowing to prevail in court.

Scene Details and Aftermath
[Image: Film set of Horizon, caption: "The lawsuit centers on an unplanned scene filmed without an intimacy coordinator."]

According to the suit, LaBella was asked to stand in for Hunt during a newly added assault scene directed by Costner, which deviated from a scripted version filmed days prior. LaBella claims the set was open to bystanders, no coordinator was present, and she wasn’t informed when the scene began or ended. Afterward, she allegedly avoided the set and was isolated in her trailer. Hunt reportedly refused to film the scene and left the set.

Industry-Wide Implications
LaBella’s attorneys, James Vagnini and Kate McFarlane, framed the case as emblematic of Hollywood’s “male-dominated, sexist” culture, criticizing the lack of safeguards. LaBella stated, “I was left exposed and betrayed… This ignited my mission to ensure no one else is this vulnerable.”

[Image: Kevin Costner in Horizon, caption: "Costner denies allegations, citing confidence in legal victory."]

As the case unfolds, Costner continues promoting Horizon, maintaining his focus on storytelling while defending his professional conduct. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial, spotlighting ongoing debates about safety and consent in film production.