Kevin Costner is pushing back strongly against a new lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of Horizon: Chapter 2. The actor’s legal team has issued a firm denial after actress Devyn LaBella filed a complaint, alleging she was subjected to a disturbing and unplanned rape scene during filming in May 2023.
According to LaBella’s lawsuit, the scene in question was not part of the script and had not been previously discussed. She claimed she was “suddenly thrown into a disturbing and unexpected rape scene,” leaving her “shocked and completely unprepared.”
However, Costner’s attorney has called the accusation “baseless and untrue,” releasing a detailed statement refuting LaBella’s claims and defending the circumstances of the rehearsal.
“Ms. LaBella was doing a rehearsal on an Insert Shot for a scripted scene. There was no intimacy or anything sexual in the shot,” the statement reads. “There was tugging on a dress while she was fully clothed in a dress with long bloomers lying down next to a male actor.”
Costner’s legal team emphasized that LaBella had completed her work without complaint and had even expressed appreciation for her time on set. “She herself texted her supervisor after she wrapped, stating, ‘Thank you for these wonderful weeks,’” the statement noted.
“Numerous witnesses have contradicted Ms. LaBella’s meritless claims.” The attorney, Marty Singer, further suggested that LaBella’s current legal action contradicts her earlier behavior, noting she had thanked her supervisor and described the experience as “wonderful.” Singer concluded the statement by saying, “We look forward to the swift end of this specious lawsuit.”
The allegations come at a time when Horizon: An American Saga, a multi-part Western film series directed by and starring Kevin Costner, is under heavy scrutiny. Costner has invested substantial time and personal finances into the project, and any controversy connected to the production could impact its reception and release.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed, and Costner has not commented publicly beyond his attorney’s statement. Representatives for LaBella have not issued further details about the lawsuit beyond the original filing. The legal battle may continue to unfold in the coming weeks, but for now, Costner’s team appears confident the claims will be dismissed swiftly.