Kevin Costner Fires Back at ‘Patently False’ Allegation Over ‘Horizon 2’ Rape Scene: ‘An Absolute Nightmare’

Kevin Costner Denies Stunt Performer’s Allegations, Calls Lawsuit “Patently False”

Kevin Costner has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who claims she was forced into an unscripted rape scene during filming of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. Costner called the allegations “deeply disappointing” and said they were designed to damage his reputation and the film for financial gain.

LaBella sued in May, alleging Costner improvised a scene in which another actor straddled her and lifted her skirt, without proper communication, planning, or a closed set—violating union protocols. An intimacy coordinator reportedly confirmed protocol lapses.

Costner denied it was a rape scene, insisting it was a single artistic shot meant to imply offscreen violence, with no nudity or simulated sex involved. “This was not a ‘simulated rape’ as Devyn now falsely describes it,” he stated.

Costner and his legal team, led by attorney Marty Singer, are using California’s anti-SLAPP law to seek dismissal, arguing the film deals with serious historical issues and qualifies for free speech protections.

Several crew members, including the other actor in the scene and the stunt coordinator, defended Costner, stating LaBella showed no signs of discomfort and misrepresented what occurred.

LaBella’s attorney, James Vagnini, pushed back, accusing Costner of avoiding accountability: “This baseless motion is a desperate delay tactic… the only thing damaging Kevin Costner’s reputation is his own reckless behavior.”

The case may face a lengthy delay due to the anti-SLAPP process, which allows for immediate appeal.