workplace safety

In a shocking turn of events, stuntwoman Devyn LaBella has filed a lawsuit against actor Kevin Costner and his production company, Territory Pictures, alleging that she was subjected to an “unscheduled rape scene” during the filming of the big-budget western, *Horizon*. The lawsuit, initially filed in May 2023, has recently gained attention following LaBella’s submission of new evidence to the court. On June 18, LaBella amended her complaint, presenting alleged text messages exchanged with the film’s intimacy coordinator the day after the incident. In one message, she expressed her distress, stating, “I was put in a really wrong position and it’s really affected me.” The intimacy coordinator responded with sympathy, acknowledging LaBella’s feelings and suggesting they discuss the matter further. LaBella’s lawsuit claims that the incident occurred on May 2, 2023, while she was on set in Utah. She alleges that the first weeks of filming proceeded without issue, as she was doubling for actress Ella Hunt in a scripted scene that included an intimacy coordinator. However, everything changed when LaBella was unexpectedly asked to step in for Hunt during a different scene that was not previously rehearsed. According to the lawsuit, Hunt refused to perform a scene involving actor Roger Ivens, who was to “violently rake up her skirt.” Costner, present on set, allegedly insisted that LaBella take Hunt’s place. LaBella asserts that she was not informed about the nature of the scene and was caught off guard when Ivens began to engage in actions that she found deeply uncomfortable. LaBella described the scene as “unscripted” and “unrehearsed,” alleging that Ivens was directed to mount her and mimic the act of unbuttoning his pants while pinning her down. She claimed that the intimacy coordinator was absent during this disturbing sequence, which left her feeling vulnerable and unprotected. The lawsuit further alleges that after the incident, apologies were made to both LaBella and Hunt by various parties involved, but the lack of a formal process for addressing such grievances raised concerns about accountability on set. LaBella also noted that she felt isolated in the aftermath, as a long-time friend in the industry reportedly cut ties with her following her complaints. In response to the allegations, Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has vehemently denied LaBella’s claims, stating that they lack merit and contradict her own actions. Singer emphasized that LaBella continued to work on the film for several weeks after the alleged incident and even expressed gratitude to the stunt coordinator with a thank-you dinner. This lawsuit comes at a time when Costner is also navigating personal challenges, including a highly publicized divorce from his wife, Christine Baumgartner. The actor has faced scrutiny over his professional and personal life, yet he remains committed to his work on *Horizon*, which received a standing ovation at its Cannes Film Festival premiere. As the legal proceedings unfold, the film industry is once again confronted with the critical issue of safety and accountability on set. LaBella’s allegations highlight the need for clear protocols to protect performers, particularly in sensitive scenes that require intimacy coordinators. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how productions handle similar situations in the future. LaBella’s case serves as a reminder that behind the glamour of Hollywood, serious issues regarding workplace safety and the treatment of performers continue to persist. As fans of Kevin Costner and the broader film community await further developments, the focus remains on the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals involved in the filmmaking process.