Kevin Costner’s Legal Drama: Breaking Down the ‘Horizon’ Lawsuit

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The actor Kevin Costner found himself embroiled in a courtroom drama when he was served with a lawsuit by a stunt performer who worked on the sequel to the film “Horizon.

Devyn LaBella took on the role as Ella Hunt’s stunt double in the Horizon sequel, serving as the main performer for Juliette. In May of 2025, LaBella filed a lawsuit against Costner, alleging sexual discrimination, harassment, and fostering a harmful work environment during the filming of Horizon An American Saga — Chapter 2 two years prior, as reported by Us Weekly.

In her statement, LaBella asserted that she experienced an unexpected, unplanned rape incident which was allegedly orchestrated by Kevin Costner.

On that specific day, it was revealed that I felt vulnerable, unguarded, and profoundly deceived by a system which had vowed security and proficiency, according to LaBella’s statement as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The incident not only destroyed my trust but also altered the manner in which I navigate this profession forever.

Costner vehemently denied the allegations via a statement made by his lawyer, Marty Singer.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve always been impressed by Kevin Costner’s dedication to ensuring a comfortable and secure working environment on his film sets. His commitment to safety is unwavering. Yet, Devyn LaBella’s assertion about this matter lacks any substantial basis, and it directly contradicts her own actions and the facts.

Keep scrolling for a full break down on Costner and LaBella’s legal back and forth:

Kevin Costner Gets Sued

Two years following their collaboration on the second edition of the Horizon series, LaBella initiated a lawsuit against Costner, who was both the director and main actor in the film. LaBella asserted that she was compelled to shoot an unplanned and impromptu rape scene, which was directed by Costner.

As per the records, Hunt declined to film a particular scene once she discovered it included actor Roger Ivens simulating the act of forcefully lifting her skirt violently. Subsequently, Costner is said to have asked LaBella to take Hunt’s place in shooting this scene. After finishing the scene, LaBella expressed that she felt shocked, embarrassed, and humiliated as she tried to comprehend the situation.

In 2024, LaBella claimed she was not rehired to perform her stunt double duties for Horizon 3 following her complaint concerning an incident.

Kevin Costner Denies the Allegations

Following the public announcement of LaBella’s lawsuit, Costner’s attorney issued a statement on his behalf, refuting the stunt performer’s claims. In addition, Costner presented text messages that were claimed to have been exchanged by LaBella after a dinner, which included LaBella herself, her supervisor, the stunt coordinator, and an assistant stunt coordinator as participants.

[LaBella] maintained a positive attitude and didn’t express any issues to them. She continued working on the film for several more weeks until her deadline, and she even treated the stunt coordinator to a thank-you dinner. Additionally, she sent him a friendly text message with numerous heart emojis to show her appreciation (a copy of the message is included).

Devyn LaBella Amends Her Lawsuit

Approximately a month following the submission of her first court documents, it was verified by us that LaBella had re-filed her lawsuit. This updated lawsuit contained text messages she claimed to have exchanged with the film’s intimacy coordinator, which were said to have been sent the day after the reported incident.

LaBella expressed his intention to talk about yesterday’s unfortunate incident when it’s convenient for us, as stated in the filing. He felt he was placed in an incorrect situation, which significantly impacted him.

The intimacy coordinator responded to LaBella’s message with an apology, expressing a willingness to discuss the matter further with her.

LaBella questioned, ‘What led to the absence of an intimacy supervisor?’ He further inquired, ‘Why was a stunt performer handling such non-stunt tasks, particularly considering its sensitive nature?… Who will account for the misuse of authority in this situation?’

As a lifestyle expert, I can share that according to the court documents, I penned down an account detailing the grievance expressed by LaBella, which was subsequently labeled as an incident report.

The report stated that the process wasn’t structured or standardized, and it suggested that [Costner] (the 1st AD) along with others should apologize to both Ella and Devyn. Ella asked for the return of the intimacy coordinator to offer support the next week, which production granted. Similarly, Devyn asked for her flight home to be covered by production over the weekend so she could get assistance from her loved ones. Once again, production granted this request.

Kevin Costner Responds to New Evidence

After LaBella submitted her amended lawsuit, Costner denied her new claims.

[LaBella] was practicing a specific camera angle for a scripted scene, not involving any intimate or sexually suggestive content,” Costner’s lawyer clarified to TMZ. “During the rehearsal, there was a brief instance of pulling on her dress while she was dressed in a long-skirted gown with underneath bloomers, and was lying next to a male actor.

As a devoted admirer putting it in my own words, I’d say: “Despite my assertions being baseless, multiple onlookers have refuted them. Even I, in the glow of wrapping up, texted my superior expressing gratitude for those fantastic weeks.

Devyn LaBella Fires Back at Kevin Costner

Following Costner speaking up about the recent accusations, LaBella claimed that the actor was attempting to “suppress” and “tarnish” her.

In her statement to Us, LaBella asserted that what transpired on the set was a reckless infringement – an unjust invasion of consent and fundamental work safety. She declared that she was instructed to lie down, and unexpectedly, another actor was introduced to enact a rape scene upon her. Her undergarments were exposed in this encounter. Following the incident, she was left alone, feeling overwhelmed and shocked. Consent cannot be granted under duress, and consent cannot be given after the harm has already commenced.

As soon as I crossed the line, it became clear there was no room for choice – I spoke up straightaway, only to be met with deafening silence, clever deflections, and attempts to undermine my credibility. But this isn’t just about me; it’s about a system that’s broken, one that shields the powerful while penalizing those who dare to speak out. It’s about fighting for change, not merely for myself but for every person who deserves a workplace where they can work with safety and dignity.

LaBella stood by her claims, sharing that she “stood up” and “told the truth.”

She asserted that she would always stand firm on insisting for basic respect at work – something every person deserves, without needing to apologize.

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2025-06-27 10:53