Kevin Costner Denies S*xual Harassment Allegations Amid Turmoil Over Western Epic’s Box Office Struggles

In Hollywood, where reputations can be as fragile as box office numbers, Kevin Costner finds himself at the center of a storm.
The iconic actor and filmmaker is vigorously denying sexual harassment allegations made by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who worked on his ambitious Western saga, Horizon: An American Saga.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this year, has sent shockwaves through the production, already grappling with disappointing box office returns and uncertain prospects.
Costner’s forceful rebuttal and the complex legal battle now underway raise pressing questions about the future of the saga and the man behind it.

The Allegations: A Shocking Accusation

Devyn LaBella, a stunt double on Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, alleges that she was coerced into performing a violent and unscripted rape scene in May 2023.
According to her lawsuit, the scene was filmed without her consent, without proper safety gear, and without the presence of an intimacy coordinator—a professional tasked with ensuring actors’ safety and comfort during sensitive scenes.

LaBella claims that Kevin Costner personally directed the controversial scene, which left her traumatized and jeopardized her career.
Her legal complaint seeks not only damages but also a court order mandating the use of intimacy coordinators on all future Costner productions.

The allegations paint a disturbing picture of a chaotic and unsafe set environment, adding to the growing scrutiny of Hollywood’s treatment of performers in recent years.

Costner’s Response: A Categorical Denial

Kevin Costner has categorically denied all allegations.
In a sworn declaration filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, he called the claims “a bold-faced lie.”

“Devyn’s claims against me are absolutely false,” Costner stated.
“It is deeply disappointing that someone from our team would fabricate such a ‘nightmare’ scenario.”
He accused LaBella of attempting to damage both his personal reputation and the Horizon films in an effort to secure an undeserved payout.

Costner’s legal team, led by prominent attorney Marty Singer, has filed a motion to dismiss the case under California’s anti-SLAPP statute.
This law is designed to protect individuals from frivolous lawsuits that target free speech or lawful petitioning activities.

The court has scheduled a hearing on the motion for September 18.

Evidence and Counterclaims

In their defense, Costner’s lawyers submitted testimony from over a dozen crew members who worked on the film.
They also presented photographs they claim disprove LaBella’s account of the scene.

One piece of evidence cited is a message LaBella allegedly sent to her supervisor about a week after filming the scene, thanking them.
Costner’s team argues this contradicts the tone and claims made in her lawsuit.

These counterclaims suggest a starkly different narrative from LaBella’s, portraying the production environment as professional and consensual.

A Divided Production: Voices from the Set

However, not everyone involved in the production supports Costner’s version of events.

Celeste Chaney, an intimacy coordinator who worked on Horizon, submitted a statement backing LaBella’s story.
Chaney described the scene in question as “unscheduled” and “unplanned.”
She claimed LaBella had not been given proper safety coverings nor had she consented to the actions filmed.

Chaney’s statement adds weight to the allegations of an unsafe and non-consensual environment during the filming of the scene.

This division among the crew highlights the complex and often conflicting perspectives that can emerge behind the scenes of major film productions.

Financial and Creative Struggles Shadow the Lawsuit

The legal battle unfolds against a backdrop of financial and creative difficulties for Horizon: An American Saga.

Costner has poured his own money into the project, which he has described as a passion project.
The first installment premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival but grossed just $38.7 million worldwide—far below expectations for a film with a reported $100 million budget.

The sequel, Chapter 2, debuted at the Venice Film Festival but saw its planned theatrical release abruptly pulled in August.
Costner has confirmed that production on Chapter 3 has yet to begin, casting doubt on the saga’s future.

These struggles have put enormous pressure on Costner and his team, making the lawsuit’s timing particularly damaging.

Costner’s Determination to Fight Back

In his public statements, Costner has expressed frustration and resolve.

Calling the lawsuit “an absolute nightmare,” he emphasized the importance of truth.
“The truth matters,” he said.
“That’s why, despite the high personal and financial cost of this lawsuit, I will continue to speak out—to protect myself, my crew, and the integrity of this project from false allegations.”

His determination to clear his name and defend the Horizon saga underscores the high stakes involved.

The Broader Context: Hollywood’s Reckoning

Costner’s case is part of a larger reckoning in Hollywood regarding workplace safety, consent, and harassment.

The #MeToo movement and subsequent reforms have brought increased attention to the treatment of performers, especially in scenes involving intimacy or violence.

Intimacy coordinators have become standard on many productions to ensure actors’ boundaries are respected and to prevent abuse.

LaBella’s lawsuit, with its call for mandatory intimacy coordinators on Costner’s future films, reflects this ongoing push for safer film sets.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Legal analysts note that anti-SLAPP motions can be powerful tools for defendants but are not guaranteed to succeed.

“If the court finds that the complaint has merit or raises serious questions, the case may proceed despite the motion,” said one entertainment law expert.

The upcoming hearing will be closely watched as it could set important precedents for how harassment claims are handled in the film industry.

Impact on Costner’s Career and Legacy

Kevin Costner’s career spans decades of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.

However, allegations of this nature can have lasting effects on public perception and professional opportunities.

How Costner manages this crisis could influence both his legacy and the fate of the Horizon project.

What’s Next for Horizon?

With production on Chapter 3 stalled and legal battles ongoing, the future of Horizon: An American Saga remains uncertain.

Costner’s ability to secure funding and maintain creative momentum will be tested in the coming months.

The lawsuit adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.

Voices from the Industry

Some industry insiders express sympathy for Costner’s position, citing the pressures of independent filmmaking and the difficulty of managing large-scale productions.

Others emphasize the importance of taking harassment claims seriously and ensuring safe working environments.

This case encapsulates the tension between protecting reputations and addressing legitimate grievances.

The Human Side: Behind the Headlines

Beyond the legal filings and media coverage are real people affected by the dispute.

For Devyn LaBella, the lawsuit represents a fight for justice and safety in her profession.

For Costner and his crew, it is a battle to protect their work and livelihoods.

The emotional toll on all involved is significant.

Conclusion: A Story Still Unfolding

The Kevin Costner sexual harassment lawsuit is far from over.

As the court prepares to hear arguments on the anti-SLAPP motion, both sides are gearing up for a protracted legal fight.

The outcome will have implications not only for those directly involved but also for industry standards around consent and safety on film sets.

For now, the saga of Horizon continues offscreen, with its future hanging in the balance amid controversy and uncertainty.