At a time when Kevin Costner’s name is making headlines for all the wrong reasons, the actor-director stepped onto the Fanatics Fest stage in New York City to talk film, storytelling, and the central role women play in his work.
What wasn’t far from anyone’s mind, however, was the serious lawsuit recently filed against him — one that involves disturbing allegations tied to his big-budget Western, Horizon.
‘Movies Need Women’: Costner Opens Up at Fan Q&A
During a Friday night conversation with Michael Strahan, Costner was asked how he weaves romantic narratives into genres like sports dramas and Westerns.
His answer? Simple — he believes every compelling story needs a woman at its heart.
“You just can’t have a movie without a girl,” the 70-year-old actor said.
Referring to Horizon, the very film now in legal hot water, Costner emphasized how women are central to the storyline.
He went on to say that even in sports films, it’s often the off-field drama — particularly involving personal relationships — that carries the emotional weight.
Serious Allegations Surface from Horizon Set
The timing of Costner’s remarks was notable.
Just weeks earlier, stuntwoman Devyn LaBella filed a lawsuit against him and the producers of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.
In the filing, she claims she was forced into performing an unscripted and violent rape scene without her consent, coordination, or warning.
LaBella, who was hired as the stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, says she never agreed to the scene and that it was not part of the day’s scheduled filming.
The lawsuit details how the scene took place on May 1, 2023, and involved a male actor playing a character who assaulted Hunt’s character Juliette. LaBella says she was left traumatized and now suffers from ongoing emotional distress.
Costner’s Legal Team Calls It a ‘Shake Down’
Kevin Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has firmly denied all allegations, branding LaBella a “serial accuser” and accusing her of using “shakedown tactics.”
Singer claims that not only did LaBella rehearse and approve the scene in advance, but she also sent cheerful texts to the stunt coordinator after filming, even including emojis.
He emphasized that Costner is deeply committed to on-set safety and always ensures actors feel comfortable.
Despite this, LaBella insists the scene in question was completely different from what had been previously rehearsed — and that she wasn’t made aware until it was too late.
Lawsuit Claims Industry Standards Were Ignored
LaBella’s legal complaint argues that her rights under SAG-AFTRA regulations were violated.
The union’s rules require at least 48 hours’ notice for any changes involving nudity or simulated sex, and an intimacy coordinator must be present.
She alleges that none of these safeguards were in place during the impromptu scene.
Worse still, the actress she was doubling for had allegedly refused to film the scene herself — something LaBella says she wasn’t told until afterward.
She recalls the filming environment being chaotic, with no “action” or “cut” cues, and no privacy or support.
‘It Shattered My Trust’: LaBella Speaks Out
In a statement to PEOPLE, LaBella reflected on how the experience left her feeling betrayed and deeply shaken.
“On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism,” she said.
“It shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry.”
She added that the ordeal has now become a catalyst for her to advocate for safer sets and stricter consent protocols, especially for stunt professionals and women working in film.
Lawyers Call Out Hollywood’s Deep-Rooted Issues
LaBella’s attorneys, James A. Vagnini and Kate McFarlane, see the case as part of a broader cultural problem in Hollywood.
They’ve described the situation as a “clear example” of how the film industry still falls short when it comes to protecting women.
“Our client was subjected to brutal sexual conduct completely unprotected from the obvious harm,” McFarlane said.
“This happened despite rules and standards that are supposed to prevent exactly this kind of abuse.”
What Happens Next for Costner and Horizon?
As of now, Costner hasn’t personally commented further beyond his attorney’s public statements.
The lawsuit could go to trial, depending on how the legal process unfolds, and the fallout may continue to cast a long shadow over the Horizon series, which was already one of Costner’s most ambitious projects.
While Costner continues to speak about the importance of women in storytelling, many in the industry — and the public — will be watching closely to see how he responds to these allegations in action, not just words.