Latest news with #Horizon:AnAmericanSaga–Chapter2
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Kevin Costner's lawyer slams 'meritless' sexual harassment claims against the actor
Kevin Costner's lawyer slams 'meritless' sexual harassment claims against the actor The Yellowstone actor is being sued by Devyn LaBella (Image: PARAMOUNT ) Kevin Costner's lawyer has described of sexual harassment allegation against the actor as "meritless". The Yellowstone actor is being sued by Devyn LaBella, who has claimed she was subjected to a "violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene" without notice on set in May 2023 while filming Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The 24--year-old stuntwoman's team first filed the lawsuit against Costner and Horizon producers last month and have now filed an amended complaint including text messages with the movie's intimacy coordinator, and the alleged emotions she felt after the scene. In response, Costner's lawyer Marty Singer told in a statement: "Ms. LaBella was doing a rehearsal on an Insert Shot for a scripted scene. There was no intimacy or anything sexual in the shot. "There was tugging on a dress while she was fully clothed in a dress with long bloomers lying down next to a male actor." The lawyer has also alleged that LaBella - who was a stunt double for series star Ella Hunt - thanked her supervisor for "these wonderful weeks" after finishing work on the Western saga. Article continues below Singer continued: "Numerous witnesses have contradicted Ms. LaBella's meritless claims. "She herself texted her supervisor after she wrapped stating, 'Thank you for these wonderful weeks.' "We look forward to the swift end of this specious lawsuit.' Court documents obtained by say Devyn was hired as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt and not informed or consented to the added scene, which she alleges caused "permanent trauma". She also claimed the absence of an intimacy coordinator during filming. Her suit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, states the scene was not on the call sheet and Hunt herself refused to perform it, allegedly walking off set. She added Kevin directed actor Roger Ivens to perform the assault scene and asked her to stand in without adequate preparation or safeguards. Kevin's attorney Marty Singer denied the allegations, calling her a "serial accuser" and accusing her of "shakedown tactics". He stated: "Kevin always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously." He also said Devyn had approved and rehearsed a prior intimate scene and was "in good spirits" afterwards. Devyn, whose credits include Barbie (2023) and FX's American Horror Stories, said in a statement to People: "On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism." She added she sought therapy for anxiety and sleep disturbances after the incident and vowed to advocate for safer sets. Article continues below Her attorneys, James A. Vagnini and Kate McFarlane, described the case as "emblematic of what is still a very deep rooted issue in Hollywood" and "a clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production."
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Kevin Costner's lawyer slams 'meritless' sexual harassment claims against the actor
Kevin Costner's lawyer has described of sexual harassment allegation against the actor as "meritless". The Yellowstone actor is being sued by Devyn LaBella, who has claimed she was subjected to a 'violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene' without notice on set in May 2023 while filming Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The 24--year-old stuntwoman's team first filed the lawsuit against Costner and Horizon producers last month and have now filed an amended complaint including text messages with the movie's intimacy coordinator, and the alleged emotions she felt after the scene. In response, Costner's lawyer Marty Singer told in a statement: "Ms. LaBella was doing a rehearsal on an Insert Shot for a scripted scene. There was no intimacy or anything sexual in the shot. "There was tugging on a dress while she was fully clothed in a dress with long bloomers lying down next to a male actor." The lawyer has also alleged that LaBella - who was a stunt double for series star Ella Hunt - thanked her supervisor for "these wonderful weeks" after finishing work on the Western saga. Singer continued: "Numerous witnesses have contradicted Ms. LaBella's meritless claims. "She herself texted her supervisor after she wrapped stating, 'Thank you for these wonderful weeks.' "We look forward to the swift end of this specious lawsuit.' Court documents obtained by say Devyn was hired as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt and not informed or consented to the added scene, which she alleges caused 'permanent trauma'. She also claimed the absence of an intimacy coordinator during filming. Her suit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, states the scene was not on the call sheet and Hunt herself refused to perform it, allegedly walking off set. She added Kevin directed actor Roger Ivens to perform the assault scene and asked her to stand in without adequate preparation or safeguards. Kevin's attorney Marty Singer denied the allegations, calling her a 'serial accuser' and accusing her of 'shakedown tactics'. He stated: 'Kevin always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.' He also said Devyn had approved and rehearsed a prior intimate scene and was 'in good spirits' afterwards. Devyn, whose credits include Barbie (2023) and FX's American Horror Stories, said in a statement to People: 'On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism.' She added she sought therapy for anxiety and sleep disturbances after the incident and vowed to advocate for safer sets. Her attorneys, James A. Vagnini and Kate McFarlane, described the case as 'emblematic of what is still a very deep rooted issue in Hollywood' and 'a clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production.'
Perth Now
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Kevin Costner opens up about ‘drama' of working with women
Kevin Costner has opened up about the 'drama' of working with women. The Yellowstone actor made the remarks in the wake of being sued by a stunt double in his latest film Horizon over the inclusion of an alleged 'violent' and 'unscripted' rape scene. Appearing at a question and answer session with Michael Strahan at the Fanatics Fest in New York City on Friday (20.06.25), Kevin was asked by the 53-year-old Good Morning America host how he has been able to work romantic storylines into his sports and western films. He said: 'But movies for me, you just can't have a movie without having a girl. 'These movies, even in my westerns when I did Horizon, it's dominated by women. It's just dominated by, and I just think they made for the best movies, the games we play and the professional athletes, it is a three-hour day for them. 'They basically practice the entire year, but they have these lives outside the lines of what they play. And that's where a lot of drama takes place.' His remarks come amid a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him and the producers of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 by Devyn LaBella, 28, a stunt double who claims she was subjected to a 'violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene' without notice on set in May 2023. Court documents obtained by say Devyn was hired as a stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt and not informed or consented to the added scene, which she alleges caused 'permanent trauma'. She also claimed the absence of an intimacy coordinator during filming. Her suit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, states the scene was not on the call sheet and Hunt herself refused to perform it, allegedly walking off set. She added Kevin directed actor Roger Ivens to perform the assault scene and asked her to stand in without adequate preparation or safeguards. Kevin's attorney Marty Singer denied the allegations, calling her a 'serial accuser' and accusing her of 'shakedown tactics'. He stated: 'Kevin always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.' He also said Devyn had approved and rehearsed a prior intimate scene and was 'in good spirits' afterwards. Devyn, whose credits include Barbie (2023) and FX's American Horror Stories, said in a statement to People: 'On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism.' She added she sought therapy for anxiety and sleep disturbances after the incident and vowed to advocate for safer sets. Her attorneys, James A. Vagnini and Kate McFarlane, described the case as 'emblematic of what is still a very deep rooted issue in Hollywood' and 'a clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production.'
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Insider Reveals How Child Actors Were Left Terrified On Kevin Costner's ‘Horizon 2' Set
A disturbing scene on the set of Kevin Costner's "Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2" has reportedly traumatized child actors who were within earshot of an unscripted, violent rape scene. A production insider revealed that the kids weren't warned and were left scared and confused, prompting serious questions about safety and transparency on Costner's set. An insider from the Horizon 2 production team has come forward with troubling details about how the film's young cast members were caught in the emotional crossfire of a shocking unscripted rape scene. According to TMZ, the violent and graphic scene, directed by Kevin Costner, was filmed on May 2, 2023, without prior notice to the crew or nearby child actors. The insider told the outlet that the moment 'was filmed within earshot of child actors … and neither they nor their adult counterparts were given any heads up about the loud, explicit moment.' Without any forewarning, the children suddenly heard a woman screaming 'bloody murder,' sending waves of panic through the young cast. 'The kids were scared and upset,' the source shared, noting that adults scrambled to reassure them, though no one really knew what was happening. Stunt performer, Devyn LaBella, filed a lawsuit against Costner, claiming she was forced to perform a "violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene" with no prior consent, preparation, or presence of an intimacy coordinator. The insider told TMZ that the chaos surrounding the shoot wasn't just traumatizing for LaBella but also reflected a total breakdown in standard safety procedures for everyone on set, especially the children. LaBella had already filmed a rehearsed and approved sexual assault scene on May 1, but she said she was shocked when she arrived the following day to discover she was being asked to film another explicit scene with no script or guidelines. 'There were whispers on set the next day,' the insider recalled. 'People said it was an 'uncomfortable' night, but for the most part, whatever occurred was very 'hush hush.'' LaBella claims there was no contractually required intimacy coordinator present, and she had not been given the 48-hour notice required by SAG guidelines for scenes involving nudity or simulated sex. In her lawsuit, she accused Costner and the production companies of acting 'with malice, fraud, oppression, and in reckless disregard' of her rights. Costner, who directed and starred in "Horizon 2," is at the center of LaBella's lawsuit. She alleged that he personally asked her to perform in the unplanned scene after the lead actress, Ella Hunt, reportedly refused and walked off the set. According to the filing, Costner allegedly failed to call 'action' or 'cut' during the shoot, which left LaBella uncertain when the traumatic scene had started or ended. She said she was left feeling 'exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism.' 'What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry,' she told PEOPLE Magazine. Costner's attorney Marty Singer has fiercely denied the allegations in a chat with TMZ, calling LaBella a 'serial accuser of people in the entertainment industry' and stating that the lawsuit has 'absolutely no merit.' He claimed LaBella had rehearsed the scene with another actor and even sent a grateful text message to the stunt coordinator afterward. 'Kevin always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously,' Singer said. The lawsuit against Costner comes following his bitter divorce from Christine Baumgartner. However, despite the divorce, the veteran actor is reportedly enjoying the single life and 'playing the field' at 70. The Oscar-winning actor was recently spotted getting cozy with a mystery brunette at Raspoutine Night Club in West Hollywood. Sources say they chatted for nearly an hour and exchanged physical gestures like touching shoulders and hands. Although the pair didn't arrive or leave together, witnesses noted their chemistry. Insiders told the Daily Mail that Costner isn't looking to settle down and is simply enjoying attention from multiple women. One source said, "Kevin gets hit on everywhere he goes, and this is no different. He has lots of women who are vying for his time and attention." Since his split, Costner has also been linked to several celebrities, including singer Jewel, Jennifer Lopez, and Sharon Stone. Costner and Baumgartner's marriage, which began in 2004, ended in 2023 after she filed for divorce. They share three children and were involved in a contentious custody battle that resulted in Costner agreeing to joint custody and paying $63,000 monthly in child support. While some speculated "Yellowstone" filming caused the split, sources claimed otherwise. In a 2024 interview on "CBS Mornings," Costner called the divorce 'a crushing moment' and admitted, 'It hurt.' Despite the emotional fallout, he said he must remain strong for his children, noting per The Blast, 'I can't wilt like a daisy. I have to go forward. I have to go forward. I have to continue to be who I am, and keep a special eye on who [my children] are.'
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Kevin Costner sued by stuntwoman Devyn LaBella over ‘violent & unscripted' rape scene in new Western movie Horizon
KEVIN Costner has been accused of making a stuntwoman perform a "violent and unscripted" rape scene in his latest Western film. Devyn LaBella, 34, has sued the Hollywood star and director for allegedly instructing an actor to pin her down and simulate rape without any formal warning or a rehearsal. 7 Kevin Costner has been accused of making a stuntwoman perform a 'violent and unscripted' rape scene in his latest Western film Credit: AP 7 Devyn LaBella, 34, has sued the Hollywood star and director Credit: Getty 7 Costner in the film Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 playing Hayes Ellison Credit: PA Costner, 70, was acting as well as directing on set for the 2024 movie Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, at the time. He has denied all the allegations. LaBella, who played the stunt double for actress Ella Hunt in Horizon, had featured in several scenes during the 2023 filming schedule. One of these included a planned sexual assault scene on May 1, the suit says. LaBella, a former gymnast, says she happily agreed to these scenes due to the proper protocol being taken both before and during filming. These including regular meetings, rehearsals, minimal crew members on set and the presence of an But a day later, LaBella alleges in the lawsuit that she was asked to return to set and take part in an unscripted scene involving sexual violence. Costner is accused of directing a fellow actor to pin down LaBella on a wagon before simulating rape. Most read in Celebrity The lawsuit also claims Costner demanded several retakes. The scene was initiated with no warning, rehearsal or choreography, according to the stuntwoman. Kevin Costner poses with five of his children at 'really special' Horizon premiere as fans praise 'beautiful family' She also claims there was no indication of when the cameras were rolling during the scenes. A line in the suit reads: 'There was no escaping the situation, and all Ms LaBella could do was wait for the nightmare to end." The Los Angeles lawsuit also names the production companies involved as defendants as well as Costner. Kate McFarlane, the lawyer representing LaBella, described it as a 'clear example of male-dominated, sexist Hollywood movie production'. She added: 'Our client was subjected to brutal sexual conduct, completely unprotected from the obvious harm." The lawsuit also claims LaBella was met with 'continuous reminders of the shame, humiliation and complete lack of control' she had on set for the remainder of filming. This caused her to experience "sudden bouts of crying on and off set', it continued. 7 Labella is now seeking damages in an amount to be determined at trial Credit: Getty 7 Costner acted and directed on the 2024 Western hit Credit: Rex 7 Costner denies all the allegations Credit: Getty As well as denying the allegations, Marty Singer, Costner's lawyer, argued that LaBella was well informed of the scene in advance and had consented to it. Singer says LaBella did not make any complaints at the time either on set or to her supervisors afterwards. 'She continued to work on the movie for a few more weeks until her wrap date, and she took the stunt co-ordinator to a thank-you dinner," he added. LaBella has been a Hollywood stunt performer since 2020. Read more on the Irish Sun She is now seeking damages in an amount to be determined at trial. The suit is also looking for a public apology to the stuntwoman, the defendants to undergo sexual harassment training and them to be required to use an intimacy co-ordinator on all future productions. 7 LaBella has been a Hollywood stunt performer since 2020 Credit: Getty
