Kevin Costner Faces S*xual Harassment Lawsuit Amid Turmoil Over ‘Horizon’ Film Series and Personal Struggles

In the world of Hollywood, few stories capture the public’s attention quite like those involving beloved stars facing serious allegations.
Kevin Costner, a name synonymous with iconic Western epics and decades of cinematic success, now finds himself at the center of a storm that threatens to overshadow his long career.

The 70-year-old actor and director, known for his commitment to telling sweeping American stories, is battling a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by stuntwoman Devyn LaBella.
The case, which alleges a “violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene” during the production of his ambitious film series Horizon: An American Saga, has ignited intense debate and raised questions about what really happened behind the scenes.

Adding to the drama are Costner’s ongoing financial pressures and a recent painful divorce, painting a complex portrait of a star fighting on multiple fronts.
What is the truth behind these explosive claims?
And how will this legal battle impact Costner’s legacy and the future of his long-awaited Western saga?

The Ambitious Vision of ‘Horizon: An American Saga’

For more than 30 years, Kevin Costner has poured his heart and soul into Horizon: An American Saga, a multi-part film series that aims to depict the American West in all its complexity.

Costner, who also directs the series, has described the project as an exploration of the Civil War, the fraught relationships between settlers and Native Americans, the struggles of European immigrants, and the often-overlooked experiences of women during that tumultuous era.
In a statement released on August 18, Costner emphasized the importance of telling these stories with honesty and depth, hoping to shed light on the hardships and violence endured by many.

It is a passion project unlike any other in his storied career, one that has consumed millions of dollars of his own money and years of his life.
But the dream of Horizon has been marred by controversy, with the recent lawsuit threatening to derail the entire endeavor.

The Lawsuit: Devyn LaBella’s Allegations

In May 2024, stuntwoman Devyn LaBella filed a lawsuit against Kevin Costner and the production companies behind Horizon, alleging that she was subjected to a traumatic and unauthorized “rape scene” during filming.
Serving as a double for actress Ella Hunt, LaBella claims that during a blocking rehearsal in 2023, Costner improvised a violent act that was neither scripted nor scheduled.

According to her complaint, the incident involved an actor aggressively lifting her skirt and straddling her without warning, causing her “permanent trauma.”
The lawsuit, which includes charges of sexual harassment and hostile workplace environment, seeks unspecified damages for the harm she endured.
LaBella’s claim has sent shockwaves through the industry, raising serious concerns about on-set safety and professionalism.

A Difficult Time: Personal Struggles and Legal Battles Collide

The timing of the lawsuit added another layer of complexity to Costner’s life.
Just one day before the suit was filed, Costner was reportedly blindsided by divorce papers from his second wife, Christine Baumgartner.
The end of their 18-year marriage was finalized in 2023, with Baumgartner receiving a $1.5 million lump sum and $63,000 per month in child support.

Sources close to Costner reveal that the actor has been under significant emotional and financial strain, compounded by the massive personal investment in the Horizon series, which has yet to achieve commercial success.
Chapter I of the saga earned just $38.7 million worldwide against a combined budget of around $100 million for the first two films, leading to delays in the release of Chapter II.

Despite these setbacks, Costner remains resolute in his commitment to completing the four-part series.

Costner’s Response: Denial and Legal Action

Initially dismissing the allegations as a “shakedown,” Costner has since responded formally in court, vehemently denying LaBella’s claims.
In his legal filing, he called the accusations “a bold-faced lie” and accused LaBella of attempting to damage his reputation through “false statements and sensationalistic language.”

Costner’s declaration describes the incident as a misunderstood blocking exercise with no actual simulated sex or nudity.
He asserts that LaBella’s privacy was fully protected and that the scene never went beyond raising the hem of a dress and positioning an actor on all fours to imply an offscreen event.

Supporting his defense are photos and videos from the set, as well as sworn testimony from over a dozen crew members, including stunt coordinator Wade Allen, who stated that LaBella showed no signs of distress during or after the run-through.
Allen and actor Roger Ivens, also involved in the scene, have both disputed LaBella’s version, calling it “false and sensationalist.”
Costner’s legal team has requested dismissal of the case, with a hearing scheduled for September 18.

Conflicting Accounts and the Intimacy Coordinator’s Role

LaBella amended her complaint in June to include text messages sent to intimacy coordinator Celeste Chaney, who was not present during the disputed scene but has supported LaBella’s claims.

Chaney described the blocked scene as a “violent rape scene” that was “unexpectedly sprung on the actors and stunt professionals.”
She also criticized the lack of proper modesty garments for LaBella, which are standard to ensure safety and comfort during intimate scenes.

These accounts stand in stark contrast to Costner’s assertions and the testimonies of his crew, highlighting the complexity of the case and the difficulty in determining exactly what transpired.
LaBella’s attorney, James Vagnini, has accused Costner of attempting to avoid accountability by discrediting his client’s professionalism and character.
He called Costner’s motion a “desperate delay tactic” and asserted that the evidence supports LaBella’s allegations.

Financial and Emotional Toll on Costner

The lawsuit has taken a heavy toll on Costner both financially and personally.
With over $38 million personally invested in Horizon, including mortgaging property to finance the films, the stakes could not be higher.

The underperformance of Chapter I and the delay of Chapter II have added to his financial pressures.
Coupled with the emotional strain of a contentious divorce and now a high-profile lawsuit, Costner is navigating one of the most challenging periods of his life.

Yet, he remains determined.
In interviews, Costner has spoken candidly about rejection and disappointment, revealing a resilience that fuels his desire to see Horizon through to completion.

“There’s something in me that only increases my desire when something is not working,” he said.
“When I feel rejection, unlike anybody else, when I open my eyes from my disappointment, my desire is only increased.”

Industry and Public Reactions

The allegations have sparked widespread discussion within Hollywood and among fans.
Many industry professionals express concern about on-set safety and the treatment of stunt performers, a group historically vulnerable to exploitation.

Advocates for workplace protections have called for stricter guidelines and enforcement to prevent similar incidents.
Public opinion remains divided.

Some continue to support Costner, citing his long-standing reputation and the testimonies of his crew, while others stand with LaBella, emphasizing the courage it takes to come forward with such accusations.
The case has also reignited conversations about power dynamics in the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by those who speak out against influential figures.

What’s Next? The Road Ahead for Costner and LaBella

With a court hearing set for September 18, the legal battle is far from over.
Both sides are preparing for a contentious fight that could have lasting implications beyond the courtroom.

For Costner, the outcome could affect not only his personal and professional reputation but also the future of Horizon, a project that represents a lifetime of work.
For LaBella, the case is about justice and safety for herself and others who may have suffered in silence.
Regardless of the verdict, this lawsuit shines a spotlight on important issues within the film industry and the need for ongoing vigilance and reform.

Conclusion: A Star Under Fire

Kevin Costner’s career has spanned decades, filled with iconic roles and cinematic achievements.
Yet, even legends are not immune to controversy and challenge.

The allegations brought by Devyn LaBella have cast a shadow over his latest project and personal life, forcing a reckoning with questions of truth, power, and accountability.
As the legal process unfolds, the public watches closely, eager to see how one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures will navigate this storm.
In the end, the story of Horizon may become as much about the realities behind the camera as the epic tales it seeks to tell on screen.