Raw Truths from the Horizon
- Stunt performer Devyn LaBella sues Kevin Costner and the production team behindHorizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two, alleging a violent, unscripted rape scene directed by Costner.
- LaBella claims she was not only humiliated and traumatized but also blacklisted from returning to work on Horizon 3.
- Costner’s legal team denies all allegations, citing LaBella’s continued participation in the production and post-scene messages as contradictory.
By Samuel Lopez – USA Herald
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Kevin Costner, revered for his commanding on-screen presence and critically acclaimed roles in films like Dances with Wolves and Yellowstone, now faces disturbing allegations off-screen. Stunt performer Devyn LaBella, 34, has filed a lawsuit accusing Costner of orchestrating an unscripted and violent rape scene on the set of Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two—a claim that has rocked the entertainment industry and reignited conversations about set safety and accountability in Hollywood.
According to the complaint obtained by USA Herald, LaBella is suing Costner and the film’s production companies for sexual discrimination, harassment, and fostering a hostile work environment. The complaint centers around an alleged incident on May 2, 2023, when LaBella claims she was subjected to a “violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene”under Costner’s direction.
LaBella, who has previously worked on high-profile productions such as Barbie, American Horror Stories, and CSI: Vegas, said the scene in question was sprung on her unexpectedly, leaving her exposed, humiliated, and disoriented. She describes the incident as not only professionally inappropriate but also personally traumatizing.
“In that moment, I felt completely unsafe,” LaBella said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry.”
Following the scene, LaBella said she experienced “shock, embarrassment, and humiliation” and was left to process the trauma alone. She also alleges that she was excluded from participating in Horizon 3, which began production in early 2024, suggesting that her allegations resulted in retaliatory blacklisting.
Kevin Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has denied all claims, calling them “absolutely without merit.” In a statement shared with the media, Singer insisted that Costner prioritizes on-set safety and comfort, labeling LaBella’s complaint as inconsistent with her own post-scene conduct.
Singer provided text messages allegedly sent by LaBella after the scene, which include emojis and cordial language. He also referenced a cast dinner and a thank-you note LaBella sent to the stunt coordinator afterward.
“She was in good spirits and made no complaints,” Singer stated. “She continued working for weeks after the scene and showed appreciation to those involved.”
Legal experts, however, caution against using post-incident behavior to invalidate trauma claims. “Victims of workplace sexual trauma often try to normalize the situation afterward,” said employment law attorney Marissa Greer. “Power dynamics, especially in Hollywood, make it hard to speak up immediately.”
LaBella’s lawsuit isn’t just against Costner—it’s also an indictment of the broader production environment on Horizon 2. She claims there was a systemic failure to uphold professional standards and protect cast and crew from unexpected and inappropriate content.
Her lawsuit also notes that while she had no prior incidents across a wide array of projects, her experience on Horizon 2 was a “radical departure” from normal stunt coordination and rehearsal procedure.
Compounding the controversy, Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two suffered at the box office, mirroring the poor performance of its predecessor. Released in June 2024, the film received mostly negative reviews from critics and failed to resonate with audiences, despite a star-studded cast that included Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Luke Wilson, and Giovanni Ribisi.
The film’s commercial and critical failure adds another layer to the unfolding story—raising questions about production oversight and the desperation to salvage a floundering franchise. Critics speculate that creative decisions, including the alleged unscripted scene, may have been part of a push to create shock value amid negative buzz.
As of this writing, the lawsuit is in its early stages, and no criminal charges have been filed. Costner’s legal team continues to fight the allegations while LaBella’s attorneys prepare for what could become a watershed trial for stunt performer rights and set safety standards.
The case has already triggered a response from SAG-AFTRA and industry advocacy groups, who are calling for tighter regulations around stunt choreography and actor protections—especially when scenes of sexual violence are involved.
“This is not the first time performers have been put in dangerous or unexpected situations,” said Screen Actors Guild spokesperson Rachel Lister. “But this needs to be the last.”
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