Recommendations of the Editorial team
Stuntwoman Devyn LaBella is allowed to pursue her sexual harassment and hostile work environment lawsuit against actor and director Kevin Costner nine times out of ten. A court in Los Angeles decided this yesterday, Thursday (October 16).
LaBella accuses Costner of “involving” her in May 2023 on the set of the western epic “Horizon: An American Saga – Part 2” without sufficient warning in a scene that included an unsolicited, violent advance by a male actor. The scene in question is intended to “inter-act” a previously written rape that is not explicitly seen in the film. LaBella reports that she was emotionally distressed by the scene and faced reprisals after she complained.
Costner and his team had previously requested that the lawsuit be dismissed entirely. The team argued that the filmmakers’ artistic freedom was protected by the US constitutional right to freedom of expression. However, the judge in charge, Jon R. Takasugi, allowed most of the allegations on the grounds that there was “sufficient evidence” to examine the case more closely in the next instance.
The next round will take place in December 2025
The central charge – the allegation that Costner forced LaBella to the scene – was dismissed because, according to the court, there was no evidence of any specific threats or coercion.
LaBella was involved in productions such as “Yellowjackets” and “Barbie” and worked as a stunt double for actress Ella Hunt on “Horizon 2”. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for December 2025.