Kevin Costner Sued Over Alleged Unscripted Scene in Horizon 2 – What Really Happened on Set?

Hollywood’s Western epic just took a dark turn. Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner, known for his legacy in Dances With Wolves and Yellowstone, is now at the center of a serious lawsuit involving his new film, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter Two.

A stunt performer has filed a shocking complaint, claiming she was subjected to an unscripted and deeply disturbing on-set incident—one that never appeared in the script and allegedly left her traumatized. Here's everything we know so far.

The Allegations Against Costner

Devyn LaBella, a professional stunt performer, has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against Kevin Costner and the production teams behind Horizon 2. According to the complaint, LaBella alleges that Costner created and directed an unplanned rape scene during filming, one that was never reviewed, agreed upon, or scripted.

She claims the incident occurred while she was playing a saloon worker in a violent barroom scene. The legal documents state that what unfolded during the shoot went far beyond what she expected, both physically and emotionally.

LaBella accuses the production of creating a “hostile and unsafe work environment,” stating that her objections were ignored and that she was pressured to continue without consent or proper safety measures. The scene, she says, was directed by Costner himself.

What Is Horizon: An American Saga?

The Horizon project is Costner’s passion piece—a multi-part Western saga he’s directing, co-writing, producing, and starring in. The first chapter premiered in 2024, and Chapter Two is set for release later this year.

Positioned as a sweeping American frontier epic, Horizon is Costner’s return to the grand-scale Western genre that defined his career. Ironically, the franchise was marketed as a “celebration of American resilience.” Now, it's being overshadowed by serious questions about what went on behind the scenes.

Costner’s Team Fires Back

Kevin Costner’s legal team has responded swiftly, categorically denying the claims and calling the accusations “false, malicious, and completely untrue.”

According to a statement from Costner's representative, the scene in question was choreographed according to safety standards and involved trained professionals at every step. They argue that LaBella's lawsuit is “an opportunistic move” intended to disrupt the upcoming release of Horizon 2.

“The allegations are not only false but demonstrably contradicted by on-set footage, call sheets, and testimony from other crew members,” reads the official statement from Costner’s lawyers.

The Industry Reacts

The response across Hollywood has been mixed, with some in the stunt community voicing concerns about long-standing issues involving safety and consent—especially for female performers.

“Stunt work is dangerous enough,” one anonymous coordinator told The Wrap. “What’s unacceptable is when power dynamics are abused. If the accusations are true, this sets us back decades.”

Others caution against a rush to judgment. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed, and the lawsuit is strictly civil. Still, the story has sparked renewed debate about oversight on film sets, particularly when major stars take on multiple creative roles like director and producer.

What This Means for Horizon 2

With Horizon: Chapter Two already scheduled for a major fall release, the lawsuit couldn’t come at a worse time. The film’s marketing campaign was just beginning to ramp up, with Costner set to appear at press junkets and premiere events.

Now, those plans are in flux. While the studio has not issued a formal delay, insiders say the controversy could impact the film’s box office performance, especially given how sensitive audiences have become to behind-the-scenes misconduct.

Whether the film moves forward as scheduled or not, the damage may already be done in terms of public perception.

A Bigger Conversation About Consent and Power

This lawsuit has quickly escalated beyond just a celebrity scandal—it’s reignited broader conversations about power imbalances in the film industry.

From the post-#MeToo era to new protocols around intimacy coordinators and on-set safety, many believed Hollywood was evolving. But stories like this show that even now, those systems can still be challenged by ego, legacy, and unchecked creative control.

If LaBella’s claims hold up in court, it could lead to sweeping changes in how unscripted scenes are handled, particularly in large-scale productions directed by A-list talent.

Final Take

It’s too early to say whether Kevin Costner will face legal consequences, but the lawsuit has already put Horizon 2 under intense public scrutiny. As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on both the courtroom and the box office.

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