Kevin Costner Sued Over Alleged Unscripted Scene in ‘Horizon’ Film
Los Angeles, CA – Actor and director kevin Costner is defending himself against a breach of contract lawsuit filed by a stunt performer on his western epic, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The suit alleges that the performer was subjected to an unscripted and “violent” simulated rape scene without proper consent or the presence of an intimacy coordinator.
The Allegations
Devyn LaBella, a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, claims that on May 2, 2023, Costner improvised a scene involving a sexual assault. This occurred a day after a scripted scene depicting a different character’s assault on Hunt’s character,Juliette.According to the complaint, Hunt declined to participate in the initial scripted scene, and LaBella was later asked to perform the improvised version without being informed of Hunt’s refusal.
LaBella asserts she received no warning that a male actor would physically assault her, pinning her down and forcibly raising her skirt. She alleges Costner directed the actor to repeatedly simulate a rape while “experimenting with different takes.”
Did You Know?
Sag-Aftra guidelines emphasize the importance of performer safety and consent on set, especially in scenes involving simulated intimacy.
Costner’s Response
in a legal declaration filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Costner vehemently denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “bold-faced lie” intended to damage his reputation. He is seeking to have the suit dismissed under California’s anti-Slapp laws, which are designed to protect individuals from frivolous lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them.
Costner’s legal team presented a text message from LaBella, sent nine days after the alleged incident, expressing gratitude and positive sentiments about her experience on set. his lawyer, Marty Singer, argued that this message contradicts the claims of trauma and distress.
Intimacy Coordinator’s support
Celeste Chaney, the film’s intimacy coordinator, filed an amendment to the lawsuit in June, corroborating LaBella’s account. Chaney described the scene as an ”unscheduled,unplanned violent rape scene” that was “unexpectedly sprung on the actors and stunt professionals.” She further stated that LaBella did not provide consent for the action and lacked appropriate protective garments.
According to the suit, the scene violated protocols established by the performers’ union, Sag-Aftra, which require 48 hours’ notice and consent for scenes involving simulated sex or nudity. The presence of an intimacy coordinator,mandated in Hunt’s contract,was also allegedly absent during the incident.
Key Details of the Alleged Incident
| Date of Incident | Location | Alleged Action | Key Individuals Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2023 | Film Set of Horizon: An american Saga - Chapter 2 | Improvised simulated rape scene | Kevin Costner, Devyn LaBella, Ella Hunt |
| May 1, 2023 | Film Set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 | Scripted rape scene (declined by Ella hunt) | Ella Hunt |
LaBella is seeking unspecified damages for career disruption and emotional trauma, as well as a court order mandating intimacy coordinators on all of Costner’s future film sets and requiring anti-sexual harassment training for the defendants.
Pro Tip:
Film productions are increasingly prioritizing on-set safety and implementing extensive intimacy coordination protocols to protect performers.
‘Horizon’ and its Reception
Costner financed a significant portion of Horizon himself, investing $38 million of his own funds into the estimated $100 million budget for the first two installments. The film, a four-part Western saga set in the late 1800s, is a passion project for Costner, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Jon Baird.
Chapter 1, released in June 2024, underperformed at the box office, grossing $38.7 million worldwide. Chapter 2 premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024, with a general release date yet to be announced.Do you think this lawsuit will impact the film’s future releases?
The Growing Importance of Intimacy Coordination
The film industry has faced increasing scrutiny regarding on-set safety and the handling of intimate scenes.The rise of intimacy coordination as a specialized role reflects a growing awareness of the need to protect performers and ensure ethical practices. Organizations like Intimacy Professionals Association provide training and resources for intimacy coordinators, establishing industry standards and best practices. This case highlights the critical role these professionals play in safeguarding performers and preventing potential harm.
frequently Asked Questions About the ‘Horizon’ Lawsuit
- What are the main allegations in the lawsuit? The lawsuit alleges an unscripted and violent simulated rape scene occurred without the stunt performer’s consent or the presence of an intimacy coordinator.
- What is kevin Costner’s response to the lawsuit? Costner denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “bold-faced lie” and seeking its dismissal.
- What is the role of an intimacy coordinator on a film set? An intimacy coordinator ensures the safety and well-being of performers during scenes involving nudity or simulated intimacy, facilitating communication and establishing boundaries.
- What are anti-Slapp laws? anti-Slapp laws are designed to protect individuals from frivolous lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them.
- What is the current status of the ‘Horizon’ films? chapter 1 has been released, while Chapter 2 premiered at the Venice Film Festival and awaits a general release date.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
