In a shocking turn of events that has rocked Hollywood, Oscar-winning actor Kevin Costner, best known for his portrayal of John Dutton in Yellowstone, is facing a lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devon Labella. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, accuses Costner of orchestrating a violent, unscripted rape scene during the production of Horizon 2: An American Saga in 2023. Labella, who was working as a stunt performer on the film, claims the scene deviated from the script and left her traumatized, emotionally distressed, and humiliated.
The allegations, which have quickly gone viral, have prompted widespread discussion about safety standards on film sets, particularly regarding the treatment of stunt performers. Labella’s filing claims that, during a remote shoot in southern Utah, the scene took a terrifying turn as Costner, who was both the director and actor in the scene, went beyond what was previously agreed upon in the choreography. Labella alleges that she was held down with force, and when she tried to signal that something had gone wrong, there was no intervention from the crew. The lawsuit accuses Costner and the production companies involved of negligence, emotional distress, and creating a hostile work environment.
Costner’s legal team has vehemently denied the allegations. His attorney, Marty Singer, stated that Labella’s claims are “categorically false” and suggested that they are a calculated attempt to damage the actor’s reputation. Singer also pointed to Labella’s positive text messages after filming the scene, claiming that she made no complaints during or after the incident. According to Costner’s team, the stunt performer continued to work for weeks after the incident, even attending a thank-you dinner with the stunt coordinator.
This lawsuit has ignited fierce debate across social media, with many fans of Yellowstone and the Horizon franchise torn between defending the actor and calling for accountability for what has been described as a dangerous lack of safety standards. The stunt performer community, in particular, has voiced their support for Labella, emphasizing the need for tighter regulations and mandatory intimacy coordinators to protect performers in scenes involving physical or sexual violence.
Beyond the allegations surrounding Horizon 2, this scandal has wider implications for Costner’s career, particularly as the Yellowstone franchise continues to be a massive cultural force. The franchise, which has already faced numerous challenges over the years, is now dealing with the potential fallout from this scandal. Costner’s legacy as John Dutton, one of the most iconic characters in television history, could be tarnished if the lawsuit progresses further.
The impact of this case goes far beyond just one actor or one production. It has raised crucial questions about the treatment of stunt performers in the film industry and whether the necessary safeguards are in place to protect them from harm. Labella’s legal team is not just seeking financial compensation but is pushing for systemic changes that would require the industry to adopt better protocols for handling physical or sexual violence on set.
As the legal battle heats up, all eyes will be on the courtroom, where the real drama is set to unfold. Whether or not Kevin Costner’s career will recover from this latest scandal remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the world of Yellowstone may never be the same.
