A lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devyn LaBella has drawn attention to allegations of unsafe and unscripted conduct during the filming of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. LaBella claims that she was hired as a stunt double for actor Ella Hunt and expected to perform a planned scene, but instead was allegedly placed in a violent, intimate sequence that she says was not properly disclosed or consented to in advance. She argues that the production failed to follow safety procedures that are meant to protect performers during sensitive scenes.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on May 2, 2023, during a day of filming that reportedly changed from a rehearsed setup into a more aggressive and unexpected scene. LaBella says she had been told the day before that she would be involved in a scripted rape scene, but the next day she was allegedly asked to replace Hunt in a scene that was not listed on the call sheet. She contends that the change happened without the communication, warning, or intimacy coordination that should have been in place for such material.
LaBella says the experience left her emotionally distressed and deeply shaken. She alleges that she felt shame, humiliation, anxiety, and betrayal after the incident, and that the aftermath affected both her personal well-being and her professional life. Her lawsuit states that she sought therapy for symptoms including sleep problems and anxiety, and that the situation caused lasting harm beyond the filming day itself.
The legal action also names the production companies connected to the Horizon project, with LaBella arguing that those responsible for the set should have ensured clear protocols, consent, and proper oversight. Her attorney says the case reflects broader problems in Hollywood, particularly around the treatment of women and stunt performers, and highlights the importance of enforcing established safety standards.
LaBella has said that the incident damaged her trust in the industry and strengthened her commitment to advocating for safer working conditions. She wants productions to place greater emphasis on communication, consent, and protection when filming scenes involving nudity, intimacy, or violence.
Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has rejected the allegations and called the lawsuit meritless. He says LaBella had already approved the scene after rehearsals and was in good spirits during the shoot. Singer also accused her of using pressure tactics in pursuit of damages. Costner’s legal team maintains that the claims do not reflect what happened on set.
The case has sparked wider discussion in the entertainment industry about how productions handle intimate and physically demanding scenes. Supporters of LaBella view the lawsuit as a sign that stronger safeguards are still needed, while others have defended Costner and questioned the allegations. The dispute continues to unfold as a high-profile test of Hollywood’s commitment to performer safety and on-set accountability.
