The ambitious western epic Horizon: An American Saga is facing a new kind of frontier justice as director and star Kevin Costner finds himself at the center of a serious legal battle. Devyn LaBella, a professional stunt performer who served as a double on the franchise’s second installment, has filed a lawsuit alleging she was forced into a “violent, unscripted” rape scene without her consent or proper safety oversight.
The complaint, filed in California, paints a troubling picture of the production environment during the filming of Chapter 2. According to the filing, the alleged incident occurred in May 2023, after the film’s lead actress reportedly refused to perform an impromptu scene involving sexual violence that was not in the original script.
Allegations of Protocol Breaches
LaBella’s legal team argues that the production violated several industry-standard safety measures designed to protect performers during sensitive scenes. Key allegations include:
• Lack of Notice: The suit claims LaBella was not given the contractually required 48-hour notice for a scene involving simulated sexual violence.
• Absence of Intimacy Coordinators: While a scripted assault scene filmed the previous day was overseen by an intimacy coordinator, the lawsuit alleges that this unscripted moment was performed without one present.
• A “Public” Display: The complaint states the set was not “closed,” and the action was allegedly broadcast on monitors throughout the production site, causing the performer significant emotional distress and humiliation.
The Defense Response
Kevin Costner and his legal representatives have vehemently denied the allegations. In a statement, Costner’s attorney characterized the lawsuit as a “shakedown,” asserting that the actor-director has always maintained a professional and safe working environment. The defense maintains that the scene was explained to the performer beforehand and that she had indicated her comfort with the choreography during rehearsals.
Broader Implications for the Industry
This lawsuit arrives at a time when the use of intimacy coordinators and strict consent protocols has become a focal point of Hollywood labor discussions. LaBella, who has worked on high-profile projects like Barbie, stated that the experience “shattered her trust” in the industry’s safety systems.
As Horizon: An American Saga continues its rollout, this legal dispute adds a layer of controversy to Costner’s multi-part passion project, highlighting the ongoing tension between creative improvisation and the rigid safety standards of the modern film set.
