The legal saga surrounding Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” takes a complex turn as a judge partially dismisses but largely upholds stunt performer Devyn La Bella’s sexual harassment lawsuit, leaving eight significant claims to proceed and sparking crucial discussions about set safety and performer rights in Hollywood.
The highly anticipated western film series, “Horizon: An American Saga,” helmed by and starring veteran actor Kevin Costner, has found itself embroiled in a legal battle that casts a shadow over its production. Stunt performer Devyn La Bella filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment on the set of “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2,” bringing critical industry practices into sharp focus.
The Genesis of the “Horizon” Saga and the Allegations
“Horizon: An American Saga” is a monumental project for Costner, encompassing a planned four-movie series. While the first installment experienced a mixed reception at the box office, the production of the second chapter, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2,” has gained unwanted notoriety due to La Bella’s claims.
La Bella, who served as the stunt double for actress Ella Hunt (playing Juliette) in the film, filed her lawsuit in May. She alleges that in May 2023, she was coerced into performing a “violent unscripted, unscheduled rape scene” on set, directly instructed by Costner himself. Crucially, she claims this occurred without advance warning or the presence of an intimacy coordinator, a violation of industry standards and her SAG-AFTRA contract, which explicitly prohibits last-minute requests for nudity or simulated sex scenes.
According to Variety, La Bella’s lawsuit states that an actor was directed to pin her down, straddle her, and violently rake up her skirt, leaving her traumatized and humiliated. The film’s intimacy coordinator later documented these violations of union protocols in a report. This incident highlights ongoing discussions within the film industry regarding consent, safety, and the crucial role of intimacy coordinators in sensitive scenes.
Legal Battle Unfolds: Costner’s Defense and the Judge’s Ruling
In response to the lawsuit, Costner filed a motion in August to dismiss the claims, vehemently denying the allegations. In a sworn declaration, the “JFK” actor asserted that the “claims against me are absolutely false, and it is deeply disappointing to me that a woman who worked on our production would claim that I or any other member of my production team would make one of our own feel uncomfortable, let alone suffer the ‘nightmare’ she has invented.” He has consistently labeled the lawsuit a “shake down” for financial gain, insisting there was no violent rape scene on his set, as reported by TMZ.
His attorney, Marty Singer, sought to dismiss the suit under California’s anti-SLAPP law, arguing that the film’s content, which depicts the struggles of women in the American West, including their vulnerability to violence, constitutes First Amendment-protected expression. However, on Thursday, a judge in the Superior Court of California largely denied Costner’s motion.
The judge found La Bella’s claims sufficient to proceed, dismissing only two of the original ten causes of action. One dismissed claim involved an alleged violation of the Bane Act, intended to combat hate crimes, due to a lack of alleged threat of physical violence. The other dismissed claim was one of two sexual harassment claims, as the law at issue applied only to harassment outside the workplace. Crucially, eight of La Bella’s claims still stand, including:
- Sexual harassment
- Sex discrimination
- Hostile work environment
- Retaliation
- Breach of contract
Singer expressed disappointment with the court’s decision to allow the remaining claims, stating to EW, “the evidence is clear that they have no legal or factual merit, and we plan to appeal the court’s decision promptly.” He reiterated Costner’s stance that there was “never any ‘simulated rape,’ ‘simulated sex’ or sexual harassment — and absolutely no retaliation.”
The Stakes for La Bella and the Industry
For Devyn La Bella, the judge’s ruling is a significant step forward. In a statement provided by her legal team, she said, “I’m grateful the court recognized the validity of my claims and is allowing my case to move forward. This is an important step toward accountability and toward ensuring that all performers are protected on set. Speaking up about unsafe or non-consensual situations is never easy, but I believe it’s necessary to create lasting change.”
This case resonates deeply within the fan community and the broader film industry, especially in the wake of increased awareness around performer safety and consent on set. The mention of SAG-AFTRA contract violations underscores the importance of established protocols, particularly for sensitive scenes. The court’s decision to allow the majority of the claims to proceed sends a clear message about the seriousness with which such allegations are being considered.
Costner’s Stance and Future Appeals
Despite the partial setback, Kevin Costner’s legal team, led by Marty Singer, remains steadfast. Singer’s statement emphasizes their belief that La Bella is “seeking millions of dollars for agreeing to participate in the rehearsal of a single, benign shot that even she admits was explained to her in advance.” He confirmed plans to appeal the court’s decision, a move that could potentially prolong the proceedings for a year or more, according to Variety.
This ongoing legal battle will undoubtedly keep fans and industry observers alike closely watching the developments. The outcome could set important precedents for how allegations of on-set harassment are handled, further shaping the landscape of film production safety and accountability.
