Kevin Costner Denies Assault Allegations in ‘Horizon’ Lawsuit
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Los Angeles, CA – Actor Kevin Costner is actively contesting claims of sexual assault leveled by a stunt performer on the set of his Western epic, Horizon: An American Saga. Costner’s legal team is seeking dismissal of the lawsuit, characterizing it as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation.
Stunt Performer Alleges Unscripted Assault
Devyn LaBella,a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt,filed a lawsuit in May 2025 alleging a violent,unscheduled rape scene was directed by Costner during filming on May 2,2023. LaBella contends the incident caused profound trauma and disrupted her career. She is seeking unspecified damages, as well as mandated intimacy coordinators and anti-harassment training for future Costner productions.
According to LaBella’s complaint,the scene was “unscripted,unscheduled” and a violation of on-set safety protocols. Intimacy coordinator Celeste Chaney, who worked on Horizon, has publicly supported LaBella’s account, describing the scene as “unscheduled, unplanned violent” and highlighting the absence of proper safety measures and consent (Deadline, 2025).
Costner’s Firm Denial and Legal Strategy
Costner, in a declaration filed with the L.A. Superior Court on Monday, vehemently denies the allegations, calling them a “bold-faced lie.” he asserts the lawsuit is a personal attack designed to tarnish his image and undermine the Horizon films. “My belief is that Devyn’s claims were designed…to damage my reputation,” Costner stated in the declaration.
his legal team, Lavely & Singer, is pursuing a motion to strike under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, seeking a September 18 hearing to perhaps dismiss the case. Anti-SLAPP laws are designed to protect individuals from frivolous lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them (Electronic Frontier Foundation).
Did you Know? California’s anti-SLAPP statute allows defendants to seek early dismissal of meritless lawsuits that target free speech and public participation.
The ‘Horizon’ Project and Box Office Performance
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 premiered at the 2024 Cannes film Festival but experienced modest box office returns, grossing $38.7 million worldwide. Horizon II debuted at the Venice Film Festival, but its August 2024 release was postponed, and the film remains unreleased. Costner has stated that principal photography has not yet begun on Horizon III.
| Film | Festival Premiere | Worldwide Box Office (as of Aug 19, 2025) | Release Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 | Cannes Film Festival (2024) | $38.7 million | Released |
| Horizon II | Venice Film Festival (2024) | N/A | Postponed |
| Horizon III | N/A | N/A | Pre-Production |
Pro Tip: Understanding the legal strategies employed in high-profile cases like this can offer valuable insight into the complexities of defamation and personal injury law.
Costner’s declaration includes a text message from LaBella sent shortly after the alleged incident, expressing gratitude to her supervisor. His legal team argues this contradicts her current claims. They maintain that the lawsuit is “opportunistic and salacious” and lacks factual basis.
What impact will this legal battle have on the future of the Horizon saga? And how will this case influence safety protocols on film sets moving forward?
The Broader context of On-Set Safety
This case highlights the ongoing conversation surrounding safety and consent on film and television sets. The #MeToo movement brought increased scrutiny to power dynamics and potential abuses within the entertainment industry, leading to calls for greater protection for performers and crew members. The role of intimacy coordinators has become increasingly vital in ensuring safe and respectful working conditions during scenes involving intimacy or violence. This incident underscores the importance of clear communication, established protocols, and a culture of accountability on set.
Frequently asked Questions
- What are the key allegations against Kevin Costner? Devyn LaBella alleges she was subjected to an unscripted and violent assault during filming of Horizon II.
- what is an anti-SLAPP statute? it’s a law designed to protect individuals from frivolous lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them.
- What is Kevin Costner’s response to the lawsuit? He vehemently denies the allegations and claims the lawsuit is a fabricated attack on his reputation.
- What is the status of the ‘Horizon’ films? Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 has been released, but Horizon II is postponed, and Horizon III is in pre-production.
- What role did the intimacy coordinator play in this case? Celeste Chaney supported LaBella’s account and highlighted the lack of proper protocols during the alleged incident.
We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and insights.
