Kevin Costner Firmly Rejects Allegations
Kevin Costner has strongly denied claims made by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who alleged she was coerced into performing an unscripted rape scene without proper consent or an intimacy coordinator on the Horizon set.
In his legal response, filed on August 19–20, 2025, Costner labeled the allegations as “absolutely false,” “patently false,” and a “bold-faced lie,” asserting they were designed to damage his reputation and discredit the Horizon franchise. VultureIndiatimesThe GuardianEW.com
He further characterized the lawsuit as a “nightmare” and claims the sensational language used in the complaint was intended to embarrass him and the films. IndiatimesNew York PostEW.com
Costner Backs It Up with Evidence
To support his defense, Costner submitted:
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On-set photos allegedly showing the stunt performer smiling during the scene. IndiatimesEW.com
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Declarations from crew members, including the stunt coordinator Wade Allen and actor Roger Ivens, who said LaBella appeared comfortable and showed no signs of distress on set. IndiatimesEW.com
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A text message apparently sent by LaBella after filming, expressing gratitude and saying she had enjoyed her time on set. IndiatimesTMZ
Costner maintains that the scene was fully scripted, non-sexual, and intended merely as a foreshadowing of off-screen violence. EW.comIndiatimesThe Guardian
Opposing View: The Allegations
LaBella, who served as Ella Hunt’s stunt double, claims:
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She was called in without warning to perform a “violent, unscripted rape scene.”
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There was no intimacy coordinator, and she was not properly briefed or given time to consent. People.com+1ElHuffPostThe Guardian
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She experienced shock, embarrassment, and humiliation and later filed a revised complaint including further evidence. People.comElHuffPost
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Celeste Chaney, the intimacy coordinator, supports parts of this account, saying the scene was unexpectedly sprung on the crew. VulturePeople.com
LaBella’s lawsuit also cites violations of SAG-AFTRA protocols, demanding damages and mandatory intimacy coordinator usage in future productions. The GuardianPeople.com
Summary Table
Party | Key Points |
---|---|
Kevin Costner | Denies all allegations; labels them false and damaging; submits evidence to dismiss lawsuit |
Supporting Team Members | Provide declarations contradicting LaBella’s claims; photo evidence supports Costner’s version |
Devyn LaBella | Alleges she was forced into an unscripted, harmful scene without consent |
Intimacy Coordinator | Supports claim of lack of planning and preparation |
Let me know if you’d like to explore specific aspects further—such as the legal strategies, union protocol details, or what lies ahead in this case.