In a shocking revelation from Hollywood, actor, director, and producer Kevin Costner is now facing a lawsuit from stunt performer Devyn LaBella. The lawsuit stems from an unscripted scene that LaBella claims was a simulation of rape during the production of “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.” LaBella filed the complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court, describing the incident as not only unprofessional but also profoundly traumatic.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed on May 27, 2023, amid growing discussions about the need for stronger regulations protecting performers on film sets. According to LaBella, while filming an intimate scene for the film, she was later directed by Costner to participate in a violent and unscripted act that contradicted her understanding of her role as a stunt double.
LaBella, aged 34 and a professional stunt performer since 2020, affirms that the incident has not just jeopardized her career but also left her with long-lasting emotional scars. This lawsuit is seen by experts as emblematic of broader issues faced by the film industry, particularly regarding safety protocols and the treatment of performers.
The Incident
According to her complaint, on May 1, LaBella performed a scripted sexual assault scene on set, which adhered to all industry protocols, including proper coaching and the presence of an intimacy coordinator. However, the following day, she was subjected to an entirely different scenario without warning. Costner allegedly incorporated a scene requiring LaBella to endure an unscripted assault under the pretense of filmmaking.
LaBella states that she was unaware of the nature of this additional scene until it was being filmed. According to the lawsuit, the crew had failed to provide necessary safety measures, such as advance notification of violent content or the presence of the intimacy coordinator. Instead, LaBella reports being placed in a vulnerable position, left to navigate the unfolding scene without clarity on its beginning or end.
When the actor, Roger Ivens, allegedly pinned LaBella down and simulated the violent act, she felt trapped and humiliated. LaBella later described her feelings post-shoot as profound shame and embarrassment, alleging she had been “left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism.” Such sentiments have resonated widely given the current climate surrounding workplace safety and consent.
Legal Allegations
The lawsuit claims a breach of SAG-AFTRA guidelines, specifically those regarding consent for intimate scenes. It states that performers must receive at least 48-hour notice for any changes in the scene’s content and that clear communication must be maintained throughout the filming process. The lawsuit also points to failures in ensuring a secure filming environment.
LaBella’s legal representatives argue that the incident highlights ongoing issues within Hollywood regarding the treatment of performers, especially concerning female stunt doubles. They are advocating for stricter regulations and the regular inclusion of protocols that ensure the safety and comfort of performers during filming, particularly when scenes involve violence or intimacy.
The Aftermath of the Incident
Following the filming, LaBella experienced considerable emotional distress, prompting her to seek therapy for related issues. She indicated that she faced sudden bouts of crying while on set and felt isolated in her suffering. LaBella has since stated that her trust in the system has been shattered, and she feels abandoned by a community that should have protected her.
While Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, asserts that LaBella’s claims lack merit—stating that she had approved the scene after rehearsing it—this assertion has been met with skepticism from LaBella and her attorney, who emphasize the gravity of the alleged misconduct.
Industry Reactions and Next Steps
This lawsuit has sparked considerable discussion within Hollywood and beyond, shining a spotlight on the need for stronger protections for stunt performers. As the industry grapples with its accountability regarding similar claims, LaBella’s situation raises awareness about the necessary reforms surrounding consent, safety, and the treatment of those working behind the scenes.
LaBella’s legal team is pushing for compensatory and punitive damages, along with mandates for ongoing sexual harassment training for industry professionals and the establishment of clear protocols for managing intimate scenes in the future. They hope to make her ordeal a catalyst for change.
Looking Ahead
As this case progresses through the courts, its implications extend far beyond this individual incident. Many industry observers, advocates, and performers alike are calling for a reevaluation of how productions address the welfare of all those involved in filmmaking, taking a hard look at the safety standards that are critical for maintaining a respectful and safe working environment.
“This experience has ignited in me a lifelong mission to be the advocate I once needed, ensuring no one else is ever left as vulnerable as I was,” said LaBella in a statement.
As Hollywood continues its journey toward acknowledging and addressing the injustices faced by its employees, cases like LaBella’s serve as important reminders of the ongoing challenges and the need for vigilant advocacy for change.
As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on how both the court and the industry respond to these serious allegations and what measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. This case could be pivotal in shaping the policies protecting stunt performers and raising awareness of the critical issue of consent in entertainment.
