Stunt Performer Alleges Kevin Costner Forced Her into Unscripted Rape Scene

Stunt Performer Sues Kevin Costner Over Alleged Unscripted Rape Scene

A stunt performer on Kevin Costner’s film ‘Horizon 2’ has filed a lawsuit against the actor, alleging that she was forced to perform an unscripted rape scene without proper safety protocols.

Devyn LaBella, the lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, claims that Costner, who directed the film, improvised a scene where Hunt’s character would be raped. Hunt reportedly refused to perform the scene, and LaBella was brought in as a stand-in without warning, preparation, or consent. According to the lawsuit, an intimacy coordinator was also absent from the set.

The lawsuit alleges that the male actor was directed to mount LaBella, pin her down, and violently rake up her skirt. It further states that the set was not closed off during the scene.

LaBella’s Trauma

LaBella claims that the experience left her humiliated and traumatized. She stated, “On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism. What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry.”

The lawsuit also alleges that the 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 the set in Utah. LaBella claims that a scripted rape scene filmed the previous day had been handled professionally with rehearsals, an intimacy coordinator, and a closed set.

Costner’s Denial

Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, vehemently denies the allegations. 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.” He added that the claim “has absolutely no merit, and it is completely contradicted by her own actions – and the facts.” Singer further alleged that LaBella is a “serial accuser” and that this is an attempt to extort money from Costner.

Singer claims that the scene was explained to LaBella, and after a rehearsal, she gave a “thumbs up” to her stunt coordinator, indicating her willingness to film the scene “if needed (which she was not).” He also stated that LaBella had dinner with the stunt coordinators the night of the scene and was in “good spirits,” making “no complaints to them.”

LaBella’s Counter-Claim

LaBella’s lawsuit contradicts Singer’s version of events. It alleges that she wanted to understand why the scene was allowed to take place and that when she expressed her concern, the male attendees blamed her for not speaking up. The suit claims she felt alone and disappointed but had to continue working.

LaBella’s lawsuit states that she experienced bouts of crying in the following days and felt awkward as crew members apologized for Costner’s behavior. She also claims to have sought therapy to cope with the traumatic experience.

Seeking Change

One of LaBella’s attorneys, James Vagnini, stated that the lawsuit aims to address “failures at the highest levels of Hollywood production companies to comprehend and address the impacts of performing in sexually explicit and violent ‘scenes’ and the need for intimacy coordination.”

Singer provided a text message allegedly sent by LaBella to the stunt coordinator after completing the shoot, thanking him for the experience and expressing satisfaction with how things worked out.

Aftermath

According to the lawsuit, LaBella was not hired back for ‘Horizon 3’ and has not been hired for any of the coordinator’s other projects, despite working with him regularly beforehand.