Kevin Costner has filed a new appeal to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who alleges she was forced into an unscripted rape scene on the set of his film ‘Horizon.’ This marks his second attempt to have the case thrown out after a judge recently dismissed two of the ten original claims.
The lawsuit was initially filed in May 2025 by Devyn LaBella, a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt in the Western film series ‘Horizon.’ LaBella claims that during filming, she was subjected to an unscripted and unscheduled rape scene without prior warning or consent. She alleges that the scene was directed by Costner himself and involved simulated sexual violence that was not part of the agreed-upon script, leading to claims of sexual harassment and emotional distress.
According to LaBella, the incident occurred while shooting a scene in a covered wagon with actor Roger Ivens. She has described the experience as traumatic and violating, asserting that it exceeded the boundaries of her role as a stunt performer. The legal complaint includes multiple charges, such as intentional infliction of emotional distress, and seeks damages for the alleged misconduct on set.
Costner has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that no violent rape scene took place during the production. His attorney, Marty Singer, has characterized the lawsuit as a ‘textbook shakedown’ and an attempt to extort money from the actor. Costner’s legal team has argued that the claims are unfounded and lack credible evidence to support the serious accusations made against him.
In August 2025, Costner filed an initial motion to dismiss the entire lawsuit. Recently, a judge reviewed the case and threw out two of LaBella’s ten claims, but allowed the remaining eight to proceed. This partial dismissal was viewed as a setback for Costner, prompting his legal team to pursue further action to end the litigation entirely.
On October 30, 2025, Costner’s attorneys filed an appeal against the judge’s decision, seeking to have the remaining claims dismissed. This new legal filing represents a continued aggressive defense strategy. Marty Singer had previously indicated his intention to appeal, and the latest documents confirm that the actor is following through on that promise to challenge the court’s ruling.
The appeal process will now advance, with the court expected to review the arguments for dismissal in the coming weeks. If successful, it could bring a swift conclusion to the legal battle, but if denied, the case may proceed to trial, potentially exposing further details about the on-set incident. The outcome could influence how similar allegations are addressed in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding director-performer dynamics and safety protocols.
This case has attracted significant media attention due to Costner’s high profile and the grave nature of the allegations. It underscores broader concerns about the treatment of stunt performers and the limits of artistic discretion in filmmaking. As the legal proceedings unfold, both sides are preparing for the next phases, which could shape future industry standards and legal precedents.