Kevin Costner is still facing serious legal trouble following allegations from a former stunt performer on the set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. And now, a California judge has ruled that most of the lawsuit will move forward.
On Thursday (Oct. 16), the court dismissed two out of ten claims brought by stunt double Devyn LaBella, including one sexual harassment claim.
However, the remaining eight claims will proceed to the next stage of litigation.
What Are the Allegations in the Kevin Costner Lawsuit?
LaBella, who worked as the stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, filed the lawsuit in May 2025. Her claims against Costner and the film’s production team include:
- Sexual harassment
- Discrimination
- A hostile work environment
- A sudden and unscripted demand to perform a violent simulated sex scene during a 2023 rehearsal
LaBella says she was not informed or properly briefed about the scene in advance — a violation, she alleges, of SAG-AFTRA’s guidelines, which require clear consent for any nudity or simulated sex.
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Costner — who directed, wrote, produced and stars in the film — has denied the claims in full. In a sworn declaration earlier this year, he called the allegations “absolutely false.”
How Did the Judge Rule in the Kevin Costner Lawsuit?
The court’s partial ruling came in response to an anti-SLAPP motion filed by Costner’s legal team — a strategy often used to dismiss lawsuits deemed to target free speech or creative expression.
“We were pleased to learn that the Court granted our anti-SLAPP motion in part, dismissing two of the plaintiff’s claims,” Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, said in a statement to TMZ.
“While we were disappointed with the Court’s decision to allow her remaining causes of action to proceed, the evidence is clear that they have no legal or factual merit,” Singer continued. “We are extremely confident we will prevail.”
Costner’s team also maintains that the scene in question was a “benign” rehearsal shot that LaBella had previously agreed to, and claims she is now “seeking millions” for participating in that moment.
How Did Devyn LaBella Respond to the Ruling in the Kevin Costner Lawsuit?
In a statement issued through her legal team, LaBella thanked the court for recognizing the validity of her claims.
“This is an important step toward accountability and ensuring that all performers are protected on set,” she said.
“Speaking up about unsafe or non-consensual situations is never easy, but I believe it’s necessary to create lasting change,” LaBella added. “I remain committed to truth, professionalism, and advocating for safety and respect within our industry.”
What’s Next for Horizon?
The lawsuit centers around Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, the second film in Costner’s four-part Western epic.
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While the movie premiered at several festivals, including Venice and Santa Barbara, its wider theatrical release was pulled following the underwhelming box office performance of the first chapter.
Costner has invested heavily — both financially and creatively — in the Horizon franchise, but it remains unclear how the ongoing legal battle may affect future installments.
For now, Costner’s legal team says they plan to appeal the decision to keep the majority of LaBella’s claims active in court.
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