A California judge has partially dismissed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Kevin Costner filed by a stunt performer from ‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2,’ throwing out two claims while allowing eight others to proceed, marking a significant but incomplete victory for the actor and director. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, October 16, 2025, addresses allegations that have sparked debates over on-set safety and consent in the film industry, with Costner’s legal team vowing to appeal the remaining claims and the accuser expressing gratitude for the court’s validation of her case.
Devyn LaBella, a stunt performer who doubled for actress Ella Hunt in the film, initiated the lawsuit in May 2025, accusing Costner and the production companies of sexual harassment, discrimination, and fostering a hostile work environment. Central to her complaint was an alleged unscripted and unscheduled simulated rape scene directed by Costner during filming in May 2023, which she claimed violated her SAG-AFTRA contract protections against last-minute demands for nudity or simulated sex. LaBella described the experience as traumatic and asserted that it left her feeling vulnerable and disrespected on set, highlighting broader concerns about power dynamics and safety protocols in Hollywood productions.
In response, Costner filed a motion to dismiss the entire lawsuit in August 2025, vehemently denying the allegations as ‘absolutely false’ and characterizing them as a ‘shakedown’ designed to tarnish his reputation. In a sworn declaration, the acclaimed actor and director expressed deep disappointment, insisting that neither he nor any member of his production team would engage in behavior that made cast or crew feel uncomfortable. His legal arguments emphasized the lack of evidence for the claims and framed the lawsuit as an attempt to exploit his public profile for financial gain, drawing parallels to other high-profile entertainment industry disputes.
The recent court ruling saw the Superior Court of California grant part of Costner’s anti-SLAPP motion, which aims to curb strategic lawsuits against public participation, resulting in the dismissal of two specific claims—including one for sexual harassment. However, the judge denied the motion for eight other causes of action, such as discrimination and hostile work environment, allowing them to advance toward potential trial. This mixed outcome reflects the complexities of legal standards in harassment cases, where plaintiffs must demonstrate both the occurrence of misconduct and its impact on their employment conditions.
Following the decision, Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the partial dismissal but disappointment over the remaining claims, affirming plans to appeal promptly. Singer reiterated that the evidence shows no simulated rape, sex, or harassment occurred, describing LaBella’s allegations as outlandish and without merit. He argued that she agreed to participate in a rehearsed shot that was explained in advance and is seeking millions in damages unjustly, underscoring the legal team’s confidence in ultimately prevailing as the case unfolds.
LaBella, through her legal representatives, responded with gratitude that the court recognized the validity of her claims and allowed the bulk of the case to move forward. She emphasized the importance of speaking out against unsafe or non-consensual situations to drive lasting change in the industry, despite the personal and professional challenges involved. Her stance has resonated with advocates for workplace safety, who view the lawsuit as a test case for enforcing accountability in film productions, particularly for stunt performers who often face physical and emotional risks.
The backdrop of this legal battle includes the troubled rollout of Costner’s ‘Horizon’ series, a four-film epic that has struggled with box office performance and release delays. The second chapter, where the alleged incident took place, screened at festivals like Venice and Santa Barbara but has yet to see a wide theatrical release after the first installment underwhelmed commercially. These production hurdles add context to the lawsuit, suggesting that internal tensions and financial pressures may have influenced the working environment, though no direct causal link has been established in court.
As the case progresses, it could set precedents for how sexual harassment and discrimination claims are handled in entertainment, potentially leading to stricter on-set protocols or increased scrutiny of director-actor interactions. Both sides are preparing for further legal maneuvers, including possible settlements or a trial, with outcomes that may impact Costner’s career and the industry’s approach to consent and safety. The situation underscores ongoing efforts to balance creative freedom with ethical responsibilities, reminding stakeholders that transparency and respect remain paramount in collaborative art forms.