Costner faces lawsuit over unscripted rape scene

A stunt performer accuses Kevin Costner of forcing an unscripted violent rape scene on Horizon Chapter 2, while Costner and his team push back with anti-SLAPP claims.

Costner fights lawsuit over alleged unscripted rape scene

A lawsuit filed in LA Superior Court accuses Kevin Costner of forcing a violent, unscripted rape scene on a member of Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2. Lead stunt double Devyn LaBella says she was summoned to set without notice or consent and without an intimacy coordinator, after a scripted scene had already been filmed with a different character. The claim states that a male actor mounted LaBella, who alleges the scene violated union protocols requiring 48 hours notice and consent for nudity or simulated sex. An amendment by Celeste Chaney, an intimacy coordinator, supports LaBella’s account, calling it an unscheduled and unplanned violent scene and noting inadequate wardrobe protection.

Costner’s legal filing labels the allegations a “bold-faced lie” and argues the suit is designed to damage his reputation. The defense cites testimony from crew members, photographs, and LaBella’s own words as proof the incident was fictional and the suit opportunistic. The case also touches on the film’s production history, including Horizon’s high budget and the status of Chapter 2, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival but has not announced a general release date.

The debate centers on set safety, power on big productions, and how unions police protections for performers. If proven, the case could push studios to tighten safeguards and strengthen oversight of intimate scenes. The anti-SLAPP strategy signals a broader trend where high-profile figures defend reputations with legal leverage, potentially chilling other performers from speaking out. The dispute also tests how audiences respond to behind-the-scenes conflict when a passion project becomes a public fight over responsibility and safety.

Highlights

The industry watches how safety norms evolve as big-budget cinema pushes into new storytelling grounds.