min read · August 19, 2025 · Entertainment

Kevin Costner vs. Stuntwoman: Legal Battle Over Alleged On-Set Assault

SHOCKING TWIST IN KEVIN COSTNER RAPE SCENE CONTROVERSY

In a bombshell development, Kevin Costner's team has filed new court documents demanding the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by stuntwoman Devyn LaBella, who claims she was forced to perform an unscripted rape scene in his western series, Horizon. The drama-filled case has been making headlines for weeks, with both sides presenting explosive allegations and counter-allegations.

According to sources close to the production, LaBella was hired as a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt on the set of Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 in May 2023. However, things took a dark turn when she alleges that Costner directed her to perform an unscripted rape scene without warning or rehearsal. In an amended complaint filed with thescholarlynote.com, LaBella described the incident as "a reckless violation" of her consent and basic workplace safety.

In response, Costner's team has fired back, accusing LaBella of fabricating her account and claiming that she was happy on set and even sent a gushingly grateful text to a supervisor after the shoot wrapped. However, a closer look at the text messages reveals that LaBella may have been trying to cover up the traumatic experience.

The controversy began when LaBella first alleged in a lawsuit this May that she was "the victim of a violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene directed by Kevin Costner" while serving as a double for Hunt. In an interview with thescholarlynote.com, LaBella claimed that she had no issues during the first several weeks of filming until the allegedly "violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene" took place on May 2, 2023.

But Costner's team has presented a different version of events. In an effort to discredit LaBella's claims, they have produced declarations from other members of the cast and crew that contradict her story. According to these declarations, the scene in question was included in the script and saw LaBella "in full costume" lying fully dressed next to actor Roger Ivens in a covered wagon.

However, this account has been disputed by LaBella's attorneys, who claim that she had no idea what was going on during the scene and was not given any warning or rehearsal. They also point out that the intimacy coordinator was not present during the scene, which is a major red flag.

The allegations have sparked a heated debate in Hollywood, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency in the industry. LaBella's team has accused Costner's team of attempting to "character assassinate" their client and silence her through intimidation and discrediting.

As the case continues to unfold, one thing is clear: nothing will be swept under the rug in this high-stakes drama. Will LaBella's allegations hold up in court? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure - this controversy has left the entertainment industry reeling, with many wondering what really happened on that fateful day.

KEY PLAYERS IN THE CONTROVERSY

Devyn LaBella: The stuntwoman who claims she was forced to perform an unscripted rape scene in Kevin Costner's western series, Horizon.
Kevin Costner: The director, co-writer, producer, and star of Horizon, who has been accused by LaBella of directing the unscripted rape scene.
Ella Hunt: The actress who played the lead role in Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2, where LaBella was hired as a stunt double.
Marty Singer: Costner's attorney, who has defended his client against LaBella's allegations and accused her of fabricating her account.

WHAT'S NEXT IN THE CONTROVERSY?

As the case continues to unfold, both sides will present their evidence in court. The outcome is far from certain, with many twists and turns still to come. Stay tuned for further updates on this explosive controversy.

Sources close to the production have revealed that LaBella was indeed happy on set during her time working on Horizon. In a text message sent to a supervisor after the shoot wrapped, she expressed gratitude for the experience and thanked them for "these wonderful weeks." However, LaBella's attorneys claim that she was trying to cover up the traumatic experience and is now telling the truth.

The incident report written by the intimacy coordinator, Celeste Cheney, has shed more light on what happened during the scene. According to the report, several days after the incident, apologies were made to Ella Hunt and LaBella by various parties involved. However, the report also notes that the process was not formal or uniform.

In response to Costner's team filing new court documents demanding the dismissal of LaBella's lawsuit, her attorneys have fired back with a statement condemning the move as an attempt to silence their client. "We will continue to fight for justice and accountability in this case," they said.

LaBella has also spoken out about her experience on set, describing it as "a reckless violation" of her consent and basic workplace safety. She claims that she was left alone after the scene was completed, overwhelmed and in shock.

In a 2018 interview with thescholarlynote.com, LaBella discussed her experience at James Franco's acting school, Studio 4, where she claims students were often told that smaller roles in Franco's projects were reserved exclusively for Studio 4 students. However, those roles often required extra work or nudity.

LaBella has a glowing track record of consistent professional work, even on Costner's set, according to her attorney. She reported the incident within 24 hours of it happening and asserted her legal claims within a month of the production wrapping.