Kevin Costner sued by ‘Horizon' stunt double over ‘unscripted' rape scene
Actor Kevin Costner and producers of his film Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2 are being sued by one of the movie's stunt performers over allegations that she was forced to perform a violent, unscripted rape scene without consent or prior warning.
Devyn Labella, the lead stunt double for Ella Hunt, who plays a character named Juliette in the Horizon franchise — a four-part western series written and directed by Costner, who also stars in the movie — filed a lawsuit in California on Tuesday.
View image in full screen
Kevin Costner on the red carpet for 'Horizon: An American Saga' at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 19, 2024, in Cannes, France. Gisela Schober / Getty Images
She is claiming that on May 2, 2023, Costner made her partake in an improvised rape scene the day after Hunt and LaBella had shot a scripted scene also depicting rape by a different character.
Story continues below advertisement
Hunt declined to film the unscripted scene, according to the filing. Consequently, LaBella was called to fill in, unaware that Hunt had refused to participate and vacated the set.
The lawsuit alleges that LaBella was not given prior warning that a new male actor in the impromptu scene had been instructed to 'climb on top of Ms. Hunt (LaBella)' and 'violently' pull up her skirt.
Get daily National news
Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
'Defendant Costner, who was present on the set, specifically added this scene, which varied from the scene filmed the day before, which had not involved pulling up the actor's skirt. Moreover, this revised scene is not specified in the assigned call sheet for that day,' lawyers for the plaintiff argued.
View image in full screen
Left to right: Isabelle Fuhrman, Ella Hunt, Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller and Abbey Lee Kershaw attend the 'Horizon: An American Saga' photocall at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 19, 2024, in Cannes, France. Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Getty Images
According to LaBella, during the filming of the scene, Costner told her to 'lay down' in a wagon while he directed the male actor to 'repeatedly perform a violent simulated rape' on her, while Costner continued to experiment with different angles and 'takes.'
Story continues below advertisement
The lawsuit argues that Costner violated the terms of LaBella's contract, established by her union, SAG-AFTRA, which requires all performers to consent to participating in scenes simulating sex or involving nudity and to receive 48 hours' notice ahead of filming sequences of that nature.
LaBella says she was not given the required warning and that she did not consent, as required in her contract. She also says there was no intimacy co-ordinator present, which is compulsory under Hunt's contract, and also applied to LaBella as her stunt double.
In addition, the lawsuit claims the set was not closed. It is common practice that during the filming of intimate scenes, only a skeleton crew is present. However, LaBella claims that 'the scene was broadcast publicly on monitors for the entire crew to witness … anyone could walk by and observe the scene being performed.'
It also states that, unlike the unscripted rape scene, the scripted one filmed the day prior was rehearsed and overseen by an intimacy co-ordinator on a closed set, as stipulated in her contract.
LaBella is seeking damages for sexual harassment, a hostile work environment and breach of contract.
She claims to have been left in the wagon alone after the scene wrapped, saying that she felt 'shock, embarrassment, and humiliation while attempting to process the situation,' and that she was 'holding back tears.'
Story continues below advertisement
LaBella was required to continue working on another scene afterward, despite her 'terrified' feelings, her lawyers say.
In a statement to Variety, Costner's lawyer, Marty Singer, denied the allegations, saying his client 'always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously,' adding that LaBella's claim has 'absolutely no merit, and it is completely contradicted by her own actions — and the facts.'
'Ms. LaBella is a serial accuser of people in the entertainment industry and has worked with the same lawyer on past claims. But those shakedown tactics won't work in this case,' he continued.
Costner argues that LaBella was briefed on the scene and allowed to rehearse it before giving a 'thumbs up' to her stunt co-ordinator, which, according to his lawyers, indicated her willingness to participate if she was needed, which she was not, Costner says.
Instead, he says LaBella attended a dinner with the stunt co-ordinators, was in 'good spirits' and made 'no complaints to them.'
According to the lawsuit, LaBella was not rehired for the filming of the third installment and has not been called back to work with the stunt co-ordinators on any other projects despite having worked with them on multiple projects before.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Sun
a day ago
- Toronto Sun
Willie Nelson keeps living the life he loves at 92. 'I'm not through with it yet'
Published Jun 20, 2025 • 4 minute read Willie Nelson performs during the Farm Aid Music Festival at the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, on September 24, 2023. Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP via Getty Images Willie Nelson's 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl could have been mistaken for a retirement party. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account But two years later at 92, he's working as much as ever. Not that retirement would look much different. The life he loves is making music with his friends, even after outliving so many dear ones. Nelson will be on the road again with Bob Dylan when the Outlaw Music Festival resumes for the second leg of its 10th year starting on June 20 in Clarkston, Michigan Asked if he'd ever like his life to get the feature film treatment that Dylan did last year with 'A Complete Unknown, ' Nelson said, 'I've heard some talk about it. But I'm not through with it yet.' Nelson spoke to The Associated Press in a phone interview from Hawaii's Oahu. 'Bob's a good friend,' Nelson said. 'And I'll be glad to let him headline.' The tour is one part of a loaded year. It'll lead right up to the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid in September. This spring, Nelson released his 77th studio album. And he's added a new THC tonic, Willie's Remedy+, to his wide world of weed products. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. An all-Crowell album Nelson has always loved singing the songs of his friends as much as if not more than the ones he writes himself. In 1979, he released 'Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson,' a full album of the work of his friend Kris Kristofferson, who died last year. He has similar love for the songs of his friend Rodney Crowell. Nelson has long performed Crowell's 'Til I Gain Control Again,' which he called 'one of the best country songs that I think I've ever heard.' Now he's released a whole album of Crowell tunes, 'Oh What a Beautiful World.' 'So far he hasn't written one that I don't like,' Nelson said. The album comes on the 50th anniversary of 'Red Headed Stranger,' the album that many consider Nelson's masterpiece. A breakthrough for him at age 42, it took him from respected journeyman to beloved superstar. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Nelson said he's already begun work on album number 78, but declines to share its direction. Willie's Family band, old and new, still with no set list As Nelson returns to the road, the only surviving member of the classic lineup of his Family band is Mickey Raphael, 73, whose harmonica has duetted for decades with the Willie warble. Bassist Bee Spears died in 2011. Guitarist and backup singer Jody Payne died in 2013. Drummer Paul English died in 2020. And Nelson's sister Bobbie Nelson, his only sibling and his piano player, died in 2022. But the band he takes on the road now is just as familial in its own way. It often includes his sons Lukas and Micah. English's brother Billy plays the drums. The son of Payne and singer Sammi Smith, Waylon Payne, plays guitar. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. They collectively keep up with Nelson's wants and whims on stage. One thing the live show never includes is a set list. He refuses to use them. Band members — and sound guys, and lighting guys — have to stay on their toes and be ready for anything. 'I'd rather play it off the top of my head, because I can read the crowd pretty good,' Nelson said. 'They jump in there.' The list-less set lately has included classics like 'Whiskey River' (always the opener, no guessing to be done there,) and 'Bloody Mary Morning' along with newer adoptees like Tom Waits' 'Last Leaf,' a song that perfectly expresses Nelson's survivor status. 'I'm the last leaf on the tree,' Nelson sings in the song that leads his 2024 album of the same name. 'The autumn took the rest, but it won't take me.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'My son Micah found that for me,' Nelson said. 'I really love the song, and the audience likes it, it's one of the real good ones.' He's also been performing songs written by Micah, who records and performs as Particle Kid. One favourite, 'Everything Is B- – – – – -t,' seems to stand in contrast to the gospel standards like 'I'll Fly Away' and 'Will The Circle Be Unbroken' that he often plays a few minutes later. Willie disagrees. 'It's all gospel,' he says with a laugh. Farm Aid turns 40 September will bring the 40th anniversary addition of Farm Aid, the annual festival to support family farmers, which Nelson founded with Neil Young and John Mellencamp, He performs there annually. It was inspired by one-off charity concerts like 'Live Aid,' but became an annual institution, rotating each year to a different farm-adjacent city. It's in Minneapolis this year. Asked his favourite, he said, 'They've all been good, for different reasons. The first one was great, the last one was great.' Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances. World Columnists World Toronto & GTA MMA
Global News
a day ago
- Global News
Rapper Fat Joe accused of sex with minors in $20M lawsuit by ex-employee
NOTE: The following article contains disturbing details. Please read at your own discretion. Rapper Fat Joe's former hypeman, Terrance 'T.A.' Dixon, has filed a lawsuit against him in federal court, alleging that his former boss engaged in sex acts with minors in a $20-million lawsuit. Dixon also alleges his former boss, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, engaged in 'coercive labor exploitation, financial fraud, sexual manipulation, violent intimidation and psychological coercion.' The 157-page complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, details claims about Cartagena's alleged sexual relations, including with minors. Dixon states that Cartagena allegedly forced him 'into humiliating situations, including sex acts performed under duress and surveillance, accompanied by threats of abandonment in foreign countries if [he] refused compliance,' according to the documents, obtained by Variety Story continues below advertisement Dixon alleges that 'he was coerced into more than 4,000 sexual acts to maintain his standing within the Enterprise.' The suit also claims that Dixon 'personally witnessed [Fat Joe] engaged in sexual relations with children who were fifteen and sixteen years old,' listing three as Jane Does, including a 16-year-old Dominican girl in New York who, 'in exchange for cash, clothing, and payment of her cell phone bill … would [perform] oral sex and other sexual acts' on Cartagena. Another Doe, referred to as 'Minor Doe 2,' is a white female and not a U.S. citizen, according to the documents. '[Fat Joe] began having sexual relations with Minor Doe 2 when she was 15 years old after a concert overseas. Defendant flew Minor Doe 2 to New York City and Miami, Florida, on multiple occasions. Due to Minor Doe 2's body being adolescent and not fully formed, Defendant paid for her to get a Brazilian Butt Lift. Minor Doe 2 eventually left Defendant and is now married to a professional athlete,' the complaint reads. Story continues below advertisement Minor Doe 3 is a Latina female who 'met the defendant when she was 15 years old, turning 16.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy According to Dixon, 'Defendant was in love with Minor Doe 3. He even contemplated leaving his wife. The Defendant paid all Minor Doe 3's bills and even took her overseas to his tour stops. He brought her to Florida and would put her up in a condo he rented a few blocks from his house with his wife.' 'In a recorded conversation, Minor Doe 3 and her 15-year-old cousin describe in detail to Plaintiff how 'inappropriate' it was for Defendant, who was in his late 30s at the time, to be fawning over children,' according to the lawsuit. 'Fat Joe is Sean Combs minus the Tusi,' Tyrone Blackburn, Dixon's lawyer, wrote in a statement to USA Today, referencing the ongoing criminal trial for Sean 'Diddy' Combs and the alleged drugs the music mogul is accused of using. 'We have additional pages of predicated acts which we are itching to disclose if the defendants call our bluff.' Cartagena's lawyer, Joe Tacopina, responded to the lawsuit, saying, 'The lawsuit filed by Tyrone Blackburn and Terrance Dixon is a blatant act of retaliation — a desperate attempt to deflect attention from the civil suit we filed first, which exposed their coordinated scheme to extort Mr. Cartagena through lies, threats, and manufactured allegations.' Story continues below advertisement 'Law enforcement is aware of the extortionate demand at the heart of this scheme. The allegations against Mr. Cartagena are complete fabrications — lies intended to damage his reputation and force a settlement through public pressure. Mr. Cartagena will not be intimidated. We have taken legal action to expose this fraudulent campaign and hold everyone involved accountable,' the statement added. The suit also names some of Cartagena's 'key associates' in his alleged 'criminal enterprise,' including Pete 'Pistol Pete' Torres and Richard 'Rich Player' Jospitre. It additionally names Jay-Z's Roc Nation, which represents Cartagena, and claims the company knowingly participated in 'concealing, transferring, and manipulating' Dixon's authorship rights and royalty interests and sought to intimidate, harass and obstruct Dixon's claims against Cartagena, Torres and Jospitre. Dixon also accuses Cartagena, Torres and Jospitre of engaging 'in deliberate tax fraud schemes' to allegedly conceal wage theft. He also claims he was 'consistently underpaid, denied songwriting credits, and deliberately concealed from royalties and backend compensation.' The lawsuit comes after Cartagena sued Dixon in April for slander on social media by accusing him of being a pedophile online. Cartagena claimed Dixon's allegations were a 'money grab,' and noted that he generously paid Dixon, who he says 'enjoyed the perquisites of touring, luxurious travel, and other fringe benefits of a world-renowned musician's team.' Story continues below advertisement 'This is the right way to fight, Joe — through the system. You can't fight him no other way,' Dixon told Variety. 'Joe think he's a god. Joe thinks he's untouchable.'
Global News
a day ago
- Global News
Young readers gear up for Okanagan Regional Library Summer Reading Club
In every book lies a new adventure. Ten-year-old Surena has a stack of books to check out from the Okanagan Regional Library that will take him to outer space and back. 'I like to read science, space and some graphic novels,' said Surena. Alongside his Grade 4 class from the Balsam School, Surena is signing up for the library's Summer Reading Club, with goals bigger than his stack of books. 'At minimum, [I plan to read] more than 1,000 pages and more than 100 books,' said Surena. Story continues below advertisement His classmates, strewn throughout the library, all had their noses in books on the second last day of school before summer vacation. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Their teacher, Graham Gregson, says that since getting their students involved in the summer reading program, they have noticed a considerable difference when they return in September. 'There's a concept called the 'summer slide,' which involves a little bit of academic loss if students aren't working on their literacy skills,' said Gregson. 'The summer reading club offers that opportunity to keep kids engaged in literacy in a fun way.' Nine-year-old Sequoia is planning her summer vacation, one book at a time. 'I like how it calms me down, and I like that [reading] takes me on an adventure,' said Sequoia. The students make up a small number of the young readers joining this year's Summer Reading Club, which begins on June 23. 'In 2024, we broke all of our records of participation from previous years,' said Danielle Hubbard, CEO of Okanagan Regional Library. 'We had over 8,000 kids go through the program, and we had almost 30,000 kids and parents come to our programs.' They hope to beat that number this year as young readers explore the world with every page turned. Story continues below advertisement
