Kevin Costner faces setback in getting "Horizon 2" sexual harassment lawsuit dismissed, but judge strikes part Raechal ShewfeltOctober 17, 2025 at 12:08 AM 0 Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty; Robin L Marshall/Getty Kevin Costner and others have been sued by Devyn LaBella The lawsuit a stunt per...
- - Kevin Costner faces setback in getting "Horizon 2" sexual harassment lawsuit dismissed, but judge strikes part
Raechal ShewfeltOctober 17, 2025 at 12:08 AM
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Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty; Robin L Marshall/Getty
Kevin Costner and others have been sued by Devyn LaBella
The lawsuit a stunt performer from Horizon 2, which Kevin Costner directed, wrote, produced, and stars in, brought against him and others behind the film in May still — mostly — stands, a judge has ruled, according to documents obtained by EW.
Devyn LaBella alleged sexual harassment, discrimination, a hostile work environment, and more in a lawsuit that she filed in May. She specifically cited that, as the stunt double for star Ella Hunt, she was required to do a "violent unscripted, unscheduled rape scene directed by Kevin Costner" in May 2023.
In August, the JFK actor filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit and said in a sworn declaration that "claims against me are absolutely false, and it is deeply disappointing to me that a woman who worked on our production would claim that I or any other member of my production team would make one of our own feel uncomfortable, let alone suffer the 'nightmare' she has invented."
A judge ruled Thursday in the Superior Court of California that two of the claims, including one of sexual harassment, would be dismissed, while eight of them would stand.
The Field of Dreams star's attorney, Marty Singer, said in a statement, "We were pleased to learn that the Court granted our anti-SLAPP motion in part, dismissing two of the plaintiff's claims (including one of her claims for sexual harassment). While we were disappointed with the Court's decision to allow her remaining causes of action to proceed, the evidence is clear that they have no legal or factual merit, and we plan to appeal the Court's decision promptly. In spite of the plaintiff's outlandish allegations, there was never any 'simulated rape,' 'simulated sex' or sexual harassment — and absolutely no retaliation. Rather, she is seeking millions of dollars for agreeing to participate in the rehearsal of a single, benign shot that even she admits was explained to her in advance. We will continue to fight for the truth and we are extremely confident we will prevail."
Richard Foreman
Kevin Costner stars in the first of his 'Horizon' films
"I'm grateful the Court recognized the validity of my claims and is allowing my case to move forward. This is an important step toward accountability and toward ensuring that all performers are protected on set. Speaking up about unsafe or non-consensual situations is never easy, but I believe it's necessary to create lasting change. I remain committed to truth, professionalism, and to advocating for safety and respect within our industry," LaBella responded in a statement provided by her legal team.
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In her original complaint, LaBella had alleged that the "impromptu work demand" had violated her SAG-AFTRA contract, which prohibits last-minute requests for nudity or simulated sex.
The movie the issue arose from was officially titled Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2, and it's the second installment in a series of four movies that Costner has planned. While it has screened at the Venice Film Festival and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, it has yet to be released widely. Though the film had been set to arrive in theaters in August, plans changed after the first installment underwhelmed at the box office.
: This article has been to include LaBella's statement.
on Entertainment Weekly
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