Charles Esther
Kevin Costner has found himself at the centre of fresh controversy.
The 70-year-old Hollywood veteran is facing a lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, who claims she was subjected to a “violent unscripted” rape scene on the set of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 in 2023.
According to the legal documents filed in California in May 2025, LaBella alleges that she was forced to perform the graphic scene without proper notice, consent, or the required presence of an intimacy coordinator.
She further claimed the set was open, allowing unauthorised individuals to witness the distressing moment.
LaBella, who has worked on popular titles like Barbie and Yellowjackets, is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages and has requested a trial by jury.
Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, strongly denied the claims, stating: “Our client Kevin Costner always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously.
This claim has absolutely no merit.”
The 1995 Waterworld Disaster
Costner’s career took a major hit in 1995 following the release of Waterworld.
He starred in, produced, and ultimately took over directing the film, which became infamous for its ballooning budget and production woes.
Natural disasters, on-set injuries, and costly delays pushed the film’s budget to a then-record $175 million.
Critics panned the film, and despite eventually breaking even, the project marked a decline in Costner’s Hollywood reputation.
Lakota Sioux Backlash Over Dances With Wolves
Costner earned acclaim for his 1990 directorial debut Dances With Wolves, which was celebrated for its respectful portrayal of Native American culture.
The Lakota Sioux, who were involved in the film, initially praised his efforts.
However, years later, the tribe expressed feelings of betrayal when Costner proposed building a casino and resort on sacred land in Deadwood, South Dakota.
Despite offering a land swap deal, the project faced resistance and was ultimately never built.
In 2013, Costner and his brother put the land up for sale for $14 million.
The controversy still lingers, especially as Costner remains embroiled in a legal dispute with an artist commissioned to create a sculpture for the failed resort.
Stephen Baldwin Lawsuit Over Oil Spill Technology
After the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Stephen Baldwin sued Costner in 2012.
Baldwin accused him of withholding information about a lucrative deal with BP regarding oil-water separator technology.
The lawsuit claimed Baldwin and his partner, Spyridon C. Contogouris, missed out on millions after selling their shares in the company.
The federal jury ultimately sided with Costner, and Baldwin received nothing.
Fallout With Taylor Sheridan Over Yellowstone
The final season of Yellowstone was marred by behind-the-scenes tension between Costner and showrunner Taylor Sheridan.
Disputes over shooting schedules surfaced in early 2023, with Sheridan reportedly blaming Costner’s limited availability.
Costner countered by alleging Sheridan delayed script delivery, leaving him unable to fulfil filming obligations.
Though Costner hinted at taking legal action over his final paycheck, no lawsuit has been filed as of 2025.
Public Divorce From Christine Baumgartner
Costner’s personal life also made headlines in 2023 during his divorce from Christine Baumgartner, his wife of 18 years.
The legal battle involved disputes over child support, property, and even household items like a Peloton bike.
Baumgartner’s legal team raised questions about Costner’s fidelity, while Costner’s camp accused her of inflating child support claims to cover cosmetic surgeries.
The former couple eventually reached a private settlement in September 2023.
Financial Gamble on Horizon Ends in Disappointment
In a bid to launch his Western film saga Horizon, Costner mortgaged his Santa Barbara home and invested $38 million of his own money into the first instalment.
Released in June 2024, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 struggled at the box office, earning only $38 million globally and failing to turn a profit.
Despite plans for four films, the release of Chapter 2 has been indefinitely delayed.
Variety reported that marketing alone cost $30 million, a burden carried by Costner and private investors.
Ongoing Legal Battle Over Horizon 2 Set Incident
The latest and most severe controversy involves the lawsuit filed by Devyn LaBella against Costner and the producers of Horizon: Chapter 2.
LaBella, serving as a stunt double for Ella Hunt, stated that she was forced to perform an unplanned rape scene under humiliating conditions and without an intimacy coordinator.
She described the experience as deeply traumatic and said she felt “exposed, unprotected, and betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism.”
Though Costner’s team has dismissed the lawsuit as meritless, the situation has reignited discussions about safety and accountability in Hollywood productions.
Final Thoughts
Kevin Costner’s legacy, marked by critical acclaim and commercial success, has now become overshadowed by legal battles, controversial choices, and personal drama.
As the Horizon saga continues to unfold on-screen and in courtrooms, Costner faces what might be the most challenging chapter of his career yet.
