Kevin Costner Accused of Misconduct on Set of *Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two*
The stunt coordinator Devyn LaBella has brought forward allegations against actor Kevin Costner and Territory Pictures , following a purportedly unplanned and violent scene purported to have been directed by Costner during the filming of *Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two*. The incident allegedly transpired on June 18, when LaBella amended her original lawsuit — first submitted in May — to incorporate text messages exchanged with the film’s intimacy coordinator, discussing the aftermath of the supposed incident.
In a message written by LaBella, she expressed, “I wanted to discuss the abomination of yesterday when we both have a moment.” The coordinator replied, “Oh no, I’m very sorry to hear this Devyn. Let’s talk about it.” This exchange highlighted LaBella’s discomfort and the immediate need for a conversation about the day’s events.
LaBella further questioned, “ Why was there no intimacy coordinator? Why was a stunt double doing work that wasn’t stunt-related, especially given the sensitivity of the scene? Who’s going to take responsibility for the abuse of power?” Such inquiries not only signify her distress but also raise critical questions about protocol on set.
The lawsuit details that the alleged incident occurred on May 2, 2023, at a film set in Utah . LaBella was serving as a stunt double for Ella Hunt , 27, when the situation escalated unexpectedly. It is claimed that what LaBella considered a “ violent, unscripted rape scene ” was added by Costner without prior notice.
Initially, LaBella was informed of a planned scripted scene involving a violent and intimate encounter between Hunt’s character and another actor, Douglas Smith . This scene was filmed without issue as an intimacy coordinator was on set.
However, the following day, the dynamics shifted abruptly. LaBella arrived at the set expecting to adhere to her duties but was met with Hunt’s refusal to film the scene after discovering that it would entail actor Roger Ivens “violently lifting her skirt.” The lawsuit indicates that Costner specifically added this scene, deviating from the previously filmed day’s narrative.
“Costner, being present on set, made this addition that diverged markedly from the scene filmed the previous day which had not involved any such act,” the lawsuit states. Hunt exhibited visible distress and subsequently left the set. LaBella claims she was unaware of these developments when Costner asked her to substitute for Hunt.
“ LaBella was not an alternate actress, and what Costner requested was beyond her scope of work as a stunt double. Yet, in complete ignorance of the real nature of the ‘take’ Costner had planned for her, LaBella agreed to assist under the impression that this would be a quick substitute shot,” the complaint explains.
The allegations describe that LaBella was neither warned nor adequately prepared for Ivens, 44, to “mount her and forcefully lift her skirt,” discovering that Ivens would be doing so only when he was already in the act. Furthermore, she alleges that the intimacy coordinator was absent during the segment.
In an assertion made in the complaint, she stated: “As directed by Costner, this unchoreographed and unscripted scene involved Ivens mounting LaBella while simulating unbuttoning his trousers and using his body and arms to forcibly restrain her.” The details evoke a painful sense of violation, showcasing the lack of professionalism and precaution in such intimate scenes.
The intimacy coordinator, Celeste Cheney , reportedly prepared an incident report summarizing LaBella’s complaint. This report indicated that apologies were made to both Ella Hunt and LaBella for the numerous parties involved several days following the incident.
The alleged report also added, “This was not a formal or uniform process. Ideally, apologies would be issued by Costner , the first assistant director, and others involved to both Ella and Devyn.” LaBella claims that she was not rehired to work on *Horizon 3*, which is set to begin filming in early 2024.
Additionally, LaBella accuses Kevin Costner and his team of public statements aimed at further damaging her professional opportunities by labeling her a “ serial accuser ” and someone seeking a “ cash grab .” Costner’s lawyer, Marty Singer , has denied these allegations, asserting, “ Kevin Costner always ensures everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.”
Singer also contended that “LaBella was doing a rehearsal in an insert take for a scripted scene. There was no intimacy or anything sexual in the take. It was about pulling a dress while she was fully dressed and lying next to a male actor.”
The first film of *Horizon: An American Saga* faced disappointing box office figures when it premiered in May 2024. In light of these events, the sequel was withdrawn from cinemas and instead debuted at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024.
In conclusion, this scenario has raised profound questions about the industry’s treatment of actors, especially in intimate scenes, highlighting the urgent need for stringent protocols to ensure the safety and comfort of all involved parties. As these allegations unfold, they serve as a crucial reminder of the significance of accountability in the film industry.
General News – 2