Kevin Costner Faces Sexual Harassment Lawsuit from Stunt Double
Yellowstone star Kevin Costner is currently embroiled in a legal battle after being sued by a female stunt double for alleged sexual harassment. The stunt double, Devyn LaBella, has accused Costner of subjecting her to an “unscripted rape scene” without prior notice during the filming of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 in 2023.
The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of California for Los Angeles County and obtained by People magazine, also names the production companies involved in the movie. LaBella has requested a trial jury, although the specific amount she is suing for has not been disclosed.
LaBella was hired as a stunt double for the film’s lead actress, Ella Hunt, with her role being to stand in for Hunt during physical scenes. The complaint highlights that the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) requires a 48-hour notice for any updates regarding intimate scenes and the presence of a coordinator for all intimacy scenes in contracts.
According to the lawsuit, on May 2, 2023, while on set for a non-intimate scene as Hunt’s stunt double, Costner allegedly added a scene involving another actor, Roger Ivens, and directed him to perform a violent act on Hunt. LaBella claims that Hunt walked off the set after refusing to film the scene, and Costner then asked LaBella to stand in for Hunt without proper notice or consent.
After filming the scene, LaBella stated that she experienced feelings of shame, humiliation, and lack of control, leading her to take a few days off from set. Upon her return, she described the environment as awkward, with others allegedly making excuses for Costner.
Following the incident, LaBella reported experiencing lasting trauma that affected her career, leading her to seek therapy for sleep disturbances, fears of intimacy, and anxiety. In a statement, she expressed her commitment to creating safe and professional sets in the industry.
In response to the allegations, Costner’s attorney Marty Singer denied the claims, stating that the actor prioritizes safety on set and that LaBella had approved the scene after it was rehearsed. Singer also labeled LaBella as a “serial accuser” and questioned the validity of her allegations.
The lawsuit against Costner serves as a reminder of the importance of consent, safety, and professionalism in the entertainment industry, highlighting the need for accountability and support for individuals who come forward with allegations of misconduct.
