Kevin Costner denies allegations over unscripted rape scene in 'Horizon' lawsuit

Kevin Costner has denied allegations made in a lawsuit by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, calling her claims a “bold-faced lie” in a legal declaration filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court. The lawsuit centers on an alleged unscripted rape scene that took place during the filming of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, which Costner directed and co-wrote.

LaBella, a stunt double for lead actor Ella Hunt, claims she was forced to perform a violent, improvised rape scene without proper notice, consent, or the required presence of an intimacy coordinator. According to her May 2025 complaint, the incident occurred on May 2, 2023—one day after a separate scripted rape scene had been filmed. Hunt reportedly declined to film a second similar scene, and LaBella alleges she was called in without being informed of Hunt’s refusal or the new direction the scene would take.

In her filing, LaBella claims she was given no warning about the scene’s content or the involvement of a new male actor. She alleges that Costner directed the male actor to simulate a violent rape while filming multiple takes, violating industry protocols that require consent and 48 hours' notice for such scenes, as outlined in SAG-AFTRA union rules. She also claims the film’s intimacy coordinator was not present at the time.

Supporting LaBella’s version of events, intimacy coordinator Celeste Chaney later described the incident as an “unscheduled, unplanned violent rape scene” and said LaBella lacked the proper modesty garments for safety.

Costner disputes the allegations, with his legal team submitting messages from LaBella that appeared positive, sent days after the alleged incident. His lawyer, Marty Singer, said the claims were “opportunistic and salacious,” supported by what he describes as false statements.

LaBella is seeking damages and has requested that future Costner projects be required to include an intimacy coordinator and undergo anti-harassment training. Horizon, a four-part Western saga, has seen limited commercial success, with Chapter 1 underperforming at the box office and Chapter 2 awaiting release.