Stuntlady sues actor Kevin Costner for ‘violent’ rape scene

A stunt actress on film “Horizon 2” filed a lawsuit in California against Kevin Costner and the producers of the film, alleging she was forced to perform in a “violent” unscripted rape scene without consent or other proper protocols.

Stuntlady Devin LaBella was the lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, who played the role of Juliette in the “Horizon” films. 

In ther complaint to the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles, LaBella said Costner, the director of the four-part western anthology written, directed and starred by Costner, improvised a scene in which Hunt’s character would be raped.

LaBella alleged that because Hunt refused to film Costner’s improvised rape scene she was called to stand-in, without any advance warning, preparation or consent, and without an intimacy coordinator present.

According to the stunt performer’s complaint, the male actor was directed to mount her, pin her down, and violently rake up her skirt. The set was not closed, LaBella added in her lawsuit.

She also said she was humiliated and traumatised by the experience.

‘Exposed, unprotected and betrayed’

“On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism,” LaBella said in a statement. “What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry.”

The complain argues that the rape scene violated protocols negotiated by SAG-AFTRA, including a requirement for 48 hours’ notice and consent for any scenes involving nudity or simulated sex.

The incident occurred on May 2, 2023, on a set in Utah. LaBella also performed in a scripted rape scene the previous day, which was handled professionally, the stuntlady said.

She added that in that first rape scene, rehearsals took place and an intimacy coordinator was present. The set was closed in accordance with the protocols.

“This case is a clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production,” said Kate McFarlane, one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys. “Our client was subjected to brutal sexual conduct, completely unprotected from the obvious harm.”

Kevin Costner denies the allegations

According to a Variety report, Costner denied the allegations through his attorney, Marty Singer. In a statement, Singer said that Costner “always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.”

“However, this claim by Devyn LaBella has absolutely no merit, and her own actions and the facts completely contradict it,” Singer said. “Ms. LaBella is a serial accuser of people in the entertainment industry and has worked with the same lawyer on past claims. But those shakedown tactics won’t work in this case.”

Singer produced a text message that LaBella allegedly sent to the stunt coordinator upon completing the shoot: “Thank you for these wonderful weeks! I so appreciate you! I learned so much and thank you again. I’m really happy it worked out the way it did to Have a great rest of the shoot and yes talk soon!”

According to her complaint, LaBella was not rehired for “Horizon 3” and has not been hired for any of the coordinator’s other projects, despite having worked for him regularly beforehand.