Hollywood acting icon sued over unscripted rape scene by stunt performer
A stunt performer is suing Kevin Costner and the production company for “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2″ for sexual discrimination, harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment.
“On that day, I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism,” Devyn LaBella said in a statement to “The Hollywood Reporter.” “What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry.”
According to “The Hollywood Reporter,” LaBella showed up to set to double for one of the movie’s stars in some “basic, fairly boring shots.”
Instead, she said, she was “subjected to an unscripted, brutal rape scene without proper notice, consent or the presence of a contractually-mandated intimacy coordinator.”
The complaint, per the report, alleges LaBella faced retaliation after she reported the incident by not being called back for subsequent work and never being hired again by the film’s stunt coordinator.
Costner’s attorney Marty Singer said, per the report, the lawsuit has “absolutely no merit” and is “completely contradicted by (LaBella’s) own actions — and the facts.”
In the same statement, Singer said Costner “always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.”
For the complete report, check out “The Hollywood Reporter.”
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.