Kevin Costner has publicly condemned a lawsuit from his former stunt double Devyn LaBella as a “bold-faced lie” that is “shameful” and “without merit.” LaBella suit In May 2023, LaBella filed suit against the town of Irondequoit. She alleges that while shooting his film “Horizon,” Costner ordered a male actor to forcibly simulate rape on her without prompting, consent or prior notice.
According to news reports, this incident occurred on May 2, 2023. LaBella was given the direction from Costner to “go to sleep” right before the male actor started the simulated sex act. LaBella claims that they did this stunt without an intimacy coordinator. This decision constituted a severe infliction of emotional distress. She is suing for damages to be determined in court for the damage caused to her career and what she considers to be “permanent trauma.”
Costner starred in, directed and co-wrote “Horizon.” He’s already invested $38 million of his own money into the production, whose full budget is projected to be $100 million. His lawyer, Marty Singer, criticized the lawsuit, claiming it was “designed, through the use of false statements and sensationalistic language, to damage my reputation.”
In her case, LaBella claims she was never made aware that a new male actor would be added. She points out that she was never told about the violent history of the scene. She realized that she was being pushed to go on working even when she was obviously ill and expressing her alarm to male coworkers.
Celeste Chaney, an intimacy coordinator, corroborated LaBella’s story on her amendment filed in June. Chaney described the scene as an “unscheduled, unplanned violent rape scene,” further corroborating LaBella’s claims of inadequate preparation and oversight for such a sensitive scenario.
In response to the complaint, Costner’s counsel has stated that no ill will was ever intended during the production.
“There was no anger or resentment, only enthusiasm and gratitude.” – Marty Singer
Notwithstanding the allegations, Costner looks forward to defending himself vigorously against Clark’s lawsuit. He has emphasized that the incident in question is part of a broader narrative in the film, which includes a “build-up and foretelling of two violent rapes that occur off-screen,” as stated by Singer.
Beyond damages, LaBella is asking that Costner have to take anti-sexual harassment or anti-sexual violence courses. Her call out underlines a growing consciousness within global showbiz. Now, more than ever, there is a public demand for accountability related to on-set behavior.
LaBella thanked her peers in a statement, looking back on her time spent during production last summer.
“Thank you for these wonderful weeks! I so appreciate you! I learned so much and thank you again. I’m really happy it worked out the way it did too. Have a great rest of the shoot and yes talk soon!” – Devyn LaBella
As this legal fight continues, neither side is showing any signs of backing down. Costner aims to clear his name while LaBella seeks recognition for what she describes as a troubling incident that has impacted her life and career significantly.