Kevin Costner has filed a motion to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit alleging an unscripted rape scene occurred during filming of his Western epic ‘Horizon.’ The actor-director contends the accusations are baseless, citing positive feedback from the stunt performer involved and declarations from crew members refuting the claims.
Who: The lawsuit involves Kevin Costner (actor/director), stunt performer Devyn LaBella (plaintiff), and Warner Bros. Pictures. LaBella served as a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt in Costner’s passion project ‘Horizon,’ a multi-part Western film series. Costner’s legal team, led by high-profile attorneys Marty Singer and T. Wayne Harman, represents the defense.
What: LaBella alleges she was forced to participate in an unscripted, unscheduled rape scene during production. Costner’s motion argues these claims are fabricated, presenting text messages where LaBella expressed gratitude for her experience. The defense maintains the scene involved no nudity, simulated sex, or physical contact beyond choreographed movements.
When: The alleged incident occurred during 2024 filming of ‘Horizon: An American Saga.’ LaBella filed her lawsuit in recent months, with Costner’s dismissal motion formally submitted on August 19, 2025. The text message evidence presented dates immediately after the filming period in question.
Where: The disputed scene was shot inside a covered wagon on the Utah set of ‘Horizon.’ Costner describes the location as a controlled filming environment with standard safety protocols. The legal proceedings are unfolding in California courts.
Why: LaBella claims emotional trauma from being subjected to an unexpected violent scene. Costner counters that the accusations constitute a ‘shakedown’ attempt, asserting they contradict documented on-set experiences. The defense suggests financial motives behind the lawsuit given Costner’s high-profile status and personal investment in the film.
How: According to court documents, the scene featured actor Roger Ivens raising the hem of LaBella’s ankle-length dress while positioned above her, with bike shorts remaining underneath. Costner’s declaration emphasizes the dress never rose above her waist and all movements were carefully blocked. Crew declarations support this account, noting LaBella raised no concerns during filming.
Impact: The lawsuit threatens both Costner’s reputation as a director and the commercial prospects of the ‘Horizon’ franchise, whose first installment underperformed commercially. It also highlights ongoing concerns about performer safety and consent during intimate scenes. The case could influence how studios document consent protocols for physical scenes.
What’s Next: A California judge will review the dismissal motion in coming weeks. If denied, the case would proceed to discovery and potentially trial. Regardless of outcome, the publicity may affect distribution deals for upcoming ‘Horizon’ installments and Costner’s future projects.