What Really Happened on Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon 2’ Set That Scared Child Actors

In the world of filmmaking, safety and professionalism on set are paramount, especially when vulnerable performers such as children are involved. Yet, a recent incident on the set of Kevin Costner’s highly anticipated film Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 has ignited serious concerns about these very principles. Reports have emerged that young child actors were unexpectedly exposed to a violent and unscripted scene of sexual violence, leaving them traumatized and confused.

What exactly happened on that set? How could such a disturbing moment unfold without warning? And what has been the response from those involved? This article delves into the unsettling events behind the scenes, shedding light on the allegations, the lawsuit, and the fallout surrounding one of Hollywood’s veteran stars.

A Shocking Incident Unfolds Without Warning

The incident reportedly occurred on May 2, 2023, during filming for Horizon 2, a sequel directed by and starring Kevin Costner. According to insiders, a graphic and violent rape scene was filmed without any prior notification to the crew or the young actors nearby. The children, who were part of the cast, were left completely unaware of what was about to happen.

Suddenly, the chilling sound of a woman’s screams echoed across the set. The young actors, hearing these terrifying noises without context or preparation, became frightened and upset. “The kids were scared and upset,” said a source close to the production. “Although adults tried to comfort them, nobody really understood what was going on at that moment.”

This unexpected exposure to violence has raised immediate questions about the safety protocols in place. How could such a scene be filmed so close to children without warning? What protections were—or were not—implemented to shield them from trauma?

Lawsuit Alleges Breach of Safety and Consent

The situation escalated when stunt performer Devyn LaBella filed a lawsuit against Kevin Costner and the film’s production companies. LaBella alleges that she was forced to perform a “violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene” without any prior consent or preparation. Crucially, she claims there was no intimacy coordinator present—a professional role designed to ensure that scenes involving nudity or simulated sex are handled safely and respectfully.

LaBella’s legal filing states that she had rehearsed and filmed a scripted sexual assault scene on May 1, the day before the incident. However, on returning to set the next day, she was shocked to be asked to perform an entirely separate explicit scene that was not in the script. “There were whispers on set the next day,” LaBella said. “People described it as an ‘uncomfortable’ night, but for the most part, what happened remained very hush-hush.”

According to the lawsuit, this breach of protocol violated the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) guidelines, which require a 48-hour notice for any scenes involving nudity or simulated sex. LaBella alleges that Costner and the production acted “with malice, fraud, oppression, and in reckless disregard” of her rights.

Kevin Costner’s Role Under Scrutiny

As both director and lead actor of Horizon 2, Kevin Costner is at the center of the controversy. LaBella’s lawsuit claims that Costner personally requested her participation in the unplanned scene after the lead actress, Ella Hunt, reportedly refused and walked off the set.

The filing further alleges an alarming lack of direction during filming. Costner did not call “action” or “cut,” leaving LaBella unsure of when the traumatic scene began or ended. She described feeling “exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism.”

“What happened shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry,” LaBella said in a statement. Her words underscore the emotional toll such incidents can take on performers, especially those involved in sensitive and potentially harmful scenes.

Denials and Defenses from Costner’s Camp

Kevin Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has vehemently denied all allegations. He described LaBella as a “serial accuser” and asserted that the lawsuit has “absolutely no merit.” Singer emphasized that LaBella had rehearsed the scene with another actor and even sent a message of gratitude to the stunt coordinator afterward.

“Kevin always wants to ensure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously,” Singer said. This statement aims to reassure the public and industry insiders that Costner prioritizes professional standards.

Despite these denials, the lawsuit has drawn attention to the broader issue of on-set safety, especially concerning intimate or violent scenes. The absence of an intimacy coordinator, if true, represents a significant departure from industry best practices designed to protect actors.

The Impact on Child Actors and Set Safety Protocols

The exposure of child actors to such a traumatic event without warning is particularly troubling. Industry standards typically require that children be shielded from adult content that could cause psychological harm. The fact that these young performers were within earshot of a violent rape scene—and without any preparation or explanation—raises serious ethical and legal questions.

Experts in child psychology and entertainment safety emphasize the importance of transparency and protective measures on sets involving minors. Trauma from such exposure can have long-lasting effects on children’s mental health and their future careers.

This incident has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols, including mandatory presence of intimacy coordinators and clear communication with all cast members about the nature of scenes being filmed.

Kevin Costner’s Personal Life in the Spotlight

Amid the legal storm, Kevin Costner’s personal life has also attracted media attention. At 70 years old, the actor recently finalized his divorce from Christine Baumgartner. Despite the split, sources say Costner is enjoying his single life and has been seen socializing with various women.

He was recently spotted at Raspoutine Night Club in West Hollywood, where witnesses noted his chemistry with a mystery brunette. “Kevin gets hit on everywhere he goes,” a source said. “He has many women vying for his attention.”

Since his divorce, Costner has been linked to several celebrities, including singer Jewel, Jennifer Lopez, and Sharon Stone. This aspect of his life, while unrelated to the lawsuit, adds another layer of public interest around the actor during this turbulent time.

Broader Industry Implications

The allegations against Costner and the production of Horizon 2 highlight ongoing challenges in Hollywood regarding the treatment of actors, particularly in scenes involving violence and intimacy. The #MeToo movement and recent industry reforms have brought increased scrutiny to how films handle such content, but incidents like this reveal that problems persist.

The demand for greater transparency, consent, and safety measures is growing louder. Intimacy coordinators, now more common on sets, play a crucial role in ensuring scenes are choreographed with respect for actors’ boundaries and well-being. When these roles are absent or ignored, the risk of harm increases significantly.

Moreover, protecting child actors remains a critical concern. Hollywood has strict guidelines for working with minors, but enforcement can vary. This case serves as a stark reminder that vigilance is needed to safeguard the youngest and most vulnerable performers.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Change

The disturbing events on the set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 have exposed troubling gaps in safety and communication in the film industry. The trauma experienced by child actors and the allegations of forced, unscripted violence raise urgent questions about accountability.

Kevin Costner, a respected figure in Hollywood, now faces serious accusations that could impact his legacy and the industry’s approach to on-set safety. Regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome, this incident has sparked important conversations about protecting performers, especially children, from harm.

As the film world watches closely, one thing is clear: transparency, consent, and rigorous safety protocols must be non-negotiable. Only then can the art of storytelling continue without sacrificing the well-being of those who bring stories to life.