“Horizon 2” Faces Lawsuit Over Unscripted Rape Scene: A Dark Turn in Hollywood’s Stunt Culture

A stunt performer arrives on set, expecting a routine day of work. Instead, she is thrust into an unscripted, brutal rape scene without prior notice or consent. This is not a scene from a film but a real-life incident that has led to a lawsuit against Kevin Costner and the production companies behind “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.”

Devyn LaBella, an experienced stunt performer known for her work on “Barbie” and “American Horror Stories,” was hired as the lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt. Hunt’s contract stipulated the presence of an intimacy coordinator for all intimate scenes, a standard practice intended to ensure safety and consent. However, LaBella alleges that on May 2, 2023, she was unexpectedly asked to perform in an unscripted rape scene without prior notice, consent, or the presence of an intimacy coordinator.

According to the lawsuit, LaBella was instructed to lie down on a wagon and found herself in a scene involving sexual violence, perpetrated by a different character than the one in the previously scripted scene. This stark deviation from standard protocols has led to allegations of sexual discrimination, harassment, and the creation of a hostile work environment.

In response, Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, denied the allegations, stating that the lawsuit had “absolutely no merit” and was “completely contradicted by [LaBella’s] own actions—and the facts.” Despite this, LaBella claims that after reporting the incident, she faced retaliation, including being excluded from subsequent work on the “Horizon” series and not being rehired by the film’s stunt coordinator.

The lawsuit not only highlights the specific incident involving LaBella but also raises broader concerns about the treatment of stunt performers in the film industry. It underscores the need for strict adherence to safety protocols, the importance of consent, and the role of intimacy coordinators in ensuring a safe working environment for all cast and crew members.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the film industry watches closely, aware that the outcome could set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future. The question remains: will this lawsuit lead to meaningful change in Hollywood’s approach to stunt work and actor safety, or will it be another instance of a powerful industry overlooking the rights of its workers?

In the end, this case serves as a stark reminder that behind the glamour of Hollywood, there are real people whose safety and dignity must be protected. The industry must confront its practices and ensure that all who work within it are treated with the respect and care they deserve.