Kevin Costner has encountered a major legal challenge in his ongoing sexual harassment lawsuit brought by Devyn LaBella, a veteran stuntwoman on the set of Horizon II.
On October 16, 2025, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied the actor’s motion to dismiss nine of ten claims, significantly allowing most of LaBella’s allegations to proceed toward discovery and possible trial.
The case, initially filed in May, centers on LaBella’s claim that she was forced to participate in an unscripted, simulated rape scene during filming, a demand made without proper notice, safety protocols, or the presence of mandatory intimacy coordinators.
The judge ruled this evidence could support claims of sexual discrimination, harassment, and creation of a hostile work environment.
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Although two claims were dismissed, including one related to alleged fear of physical violence if the scene was not performed, the court found ample grounds to sustain the majority of LaBella’s legal contentions.
Allegations and Counterarguments
Devyn LaBella, who doubles for lead actress Ella Hunt in the Horizon: An American Saga franchise, has alleged that the production deprived her of contractual protections required by SAG-AFTRA agreements.
Her complaint cites the absence of both intimacy and stunt coordinators as a critical breach, which exacerbated the trauma experienced during the contentious filming.
Costner’s legal team, led by attorney Marty Singer, has denounced the lawsuit as baseless and misleading. They argue that the contested simulated sexual scene was thoroughly explained during rehearsals, refuting accusations of surprise or coercion.
Costner himself has described the claims as “bold-faced lies” intended to damage his reputation. The defense intends to promptly appeal the partial denial of their motion.
Judge’s Analysis and Legal Implications
Judge Jon R. Takasugi carefully distinguished between the claims that warranted dismissal and those that merited continuation.
While the court recognized that evidence didn’t convincingly show LaBella’s fear of physical harm, it stated that a reasonable person could feel harassed by an unplanned, simulated rape scene lacking standard safety measures.
This perspective underlines legal protections pertaining to workplace conduct, beyond creative expression in filmmaking.
The ruling acknowledges the fine balance in labor law, recognizing the artistic nature of film production yet enforcing the right of performers to safe, respectful working conditions.
By affirming LaBella’s claims, the court confirms that creative freedom does not exempt producers or directors from compliance with rigors designed to protect vulnerable crew members on set.
Industry Reactions and Broader Impact
The case is shaping conversations in Hollywood about safety and respect behind the scenes, especially in productions involving intimate or violent scenes.
LaBella’s legal team has expressed confidence in continuing their pursuit of justice and exposing misuse of power during filmmaking. They accuse Costner’s side of using “frivolous motions” to delay and distract from the core issues.
For Costner, a seasoned actor and filmmaker who also financially backs the Horizon franchise, this lawsuit intersects reputational stakes with ongoing career momentum. Horizon II’s delay and the uncertain future of subsequent films compound pressures on the star, whose legal battles play out under public scrutiny.
Kevin Costner’s Legal Team Promises Swift Appeal
While the court ruling represents a significant obstacle for Kevin Costner, his legal team is not backing down. Attorney Marty Singer expressed satisfaction with the partial dismissal of two claims but firmly rejected the remaining allegations.
He asserted that the evidence lacks legal and factual merit and announced plans to file an expedited appeal. Singer emphasized that the contested scene had been thoughtfully explained and rehearsed and that the suit represents an attempt to damage Costner’s reputation rather than reflect reality.
The appeal hearing is anticipated to take place in December, marking another chapter in the ongoing legal battle.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
The case is scheduled to move into a discovery phase, where witnesses and set personnel will provide testimony about the filming and safety protocols.
Costner’s lawyers have pledged an immediate appeal of the ruling, signaling a prolonged court fight. Meanwhile, LaBella pushes to hold producers accountable and set a precedent for the protection of stunt performers and actors during demanding scenes.
This legal proceeding highlights ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry to balance creative demands with evolving awareness of workplace harassment and safety standards. How this case unfolds may have significant repercussions for future productions involving similar sensitive content.
Kevin Costner’s fight against the Horizon II sexual harassment claims is far from over. With important claims allowed to proceed and the film’s already uncertain release on hold, the saga offers a stark lesson about power dynamics, responsibility, and justice in Hollywood’s high-stakes environment.
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