Accusations Surrounding Kevin Costner’s Handling of Sensitive Scenes on Set
Controversy has erupted around Kevin Costner amid allegations from a stunt performer who accuses the actor and director of orchestrating an unplanned and violent scene involving simulated sexual assault during the production of his upcoming film, Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2.
Allegations from a Former Stunt Double
Devyn LaBella, who served as the primary stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, filed a lawsuit in California on Tuesday, claiming she was coerced into participating in a violent, unscripted scene that resembled a sexual assault. According to the lawsuit, LaBella alleges she was instructed to perform a scene that was neither scripted nor approved beforehand, leading to feelings of shock and humiliation.
Lack of Proper Protocol and Safety Measures
LaBella, 34, states she was initially hired under the understanding that an intimacy coordinator would oversee all scenes involving nudity or intimacy. However, this protocol was overlooked when, on May 2, 2023, she was called to perform a scene involving Hunt, who reportedly refused to participate due to concerns over the scene’s content. Despite Hunt’s refusal, LaBella was summoned to proceed without any prior warning or consent, according to the lawsuit.
The scene in question allegedly violated SAG-AFTRA guidelines, which mandate at least 48 hours’ notice and explicit consent for scenes involving nudity or simulated sexual acts. The lawsuit claims these standards were disregarded, raising serious safety and ethical concerns.
Director’s Role and On-Set Conduct
During filming, Costner, who was directing that day, is accused of taking a very hands-on approach, despite the absence of an intimacy coordinator. The lawsuit alleges that he directed a male actor to simulate a violent sexual assault on LaBella, instructing him to mime unbuttoning his pants and then violently raking up her skirt. The scene was reportedly filmed without the usual closed-set precautions, with footage being broadcast to the entire crew, which is contrary to industry standards for sensitive scenes.
Following the filming, LaBella reports experiencing emotional distress, including shock, embarrassment, and humiliation. She described feeling betrayed by a system that was supposed to prioritize her safety and professionalism, stating, “What happened to me shattered my confidence and forever changed how I navigate this industry.”
Costner’s Response and Denial of Allegations
Kevin Costner has publicly denied all accusations. His attorney, Marty Singer, emphasized that the director is committed to ensuring a safe working environment and that safety protocols are taken seriously. Singer claims LaBella was informed about the scene, gave a thumbs-up to her stunt coordinator, and even sent a thank-you message afterward. Additionally, Singer states that LaBella was in good spirits after filming and did not raise any concerns at the time.
Contradicting LaBella’s account, Singer asserts that she attended a dinner with stunt coordinators on the same day and did not express any dissatisfaction or discomfort. He further alleges that her claims are part of a pattern, describing her as a “serial accuser” who has previously made similar allegations against others in the industry, often working with the same legal counsel.
Impact on the Stunt Performer and Future Work
Following the incident, LaBella reports experiencing emotional distress, including episodes of crying and taking time off to recover. She claims that several crew members later apologized for Costner’s behavior, and she sought therapy to cope with the trauma. Her allegations have also impacted her career, as she was not rehired for subsequent projects related to the film or for future work with her stunt coordinator, despite her prior collaborations.
The Film and Industry Context
Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2 is part of a four-part anthology series directed, co-written, and produced by Costner, featuring a star-studded cast including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, and Ella Hunt. The film aims to explore themes rooted in Western mythology, with critics noting that the narrative resembles a lengthy journey through a Western-themed amusement park-appealing to fans of classic cowboy tales but requiring patience for the full experience.
Industry experts have highlighted the importance of adhering to safety standards, especially when filming sensitive scenes. The controversy surrounding this production underscores ongoing concerns about actor and stunt performer protections on set, particularly in scenes involving simulated violence or intimacy.
As of now, representatives for Kevin Costner have not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit. The case continues to unfold, raising questions about set safety protocols and the responsibilities of filmmakers in safeguarding their cast and crew.
